Yesterday, we looked at the relationship between King David and Bathsheba that led to the birth of Solomon. When King David died, Solomon became king. “Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” (2 Chronicles 1:1)
God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and asked Solomon what he would most like to receive. Solomon could have asked for remarkable good looks, great bravery in battle, a large loving family, or great riches. However, Solomon instead asked for wisdom and knowledge. God replied to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you.” God was very pleased that Solomon chose wisdom as the gift he most wanted to receive from God. So, He not only agreed to give Solomon wisdom, but He also said, “I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12) Later in that same chapter we read that Solomon had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses and that “he made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones”. God blessed Solomon not only with wisdom, but also with fame, riches and prestige.
Especially during the beginning of King Solomon’s reign, he used his great wisdom and discernment to help govern his people. One such instance is recorded in 2 Kings 3:16-28. Two prostitutes came before Solomon asking him to solve a dispute. Both women claimed to be the mother of the same baby boy. Solomon said he would cut the baby in two and give each woman half of the baby. One woman quickly offered that the baby should be given to the other woman. Solomon determined that the woman who was willing to give the baby up, rather than have him cut in half, must be the true mother for she loved the son too much to have him harmed.
Today you may be contemplating important plans for your future. Maybe you are struggling with how to deal with a difficult person in your life. Or possibly you are dealing with a family crisis. When you are faced with difficult choices in your life, how reassuring to know that the Creator of the universe can grant you the wisdom and discernment needed to make sound decisions. Will you ask Him to? Will you search out the wisdom He has already shared with you in the Bible?
Jill McClain