Like David, Solomon loved the Lord, but instead of offering
his sacrifices at the Tabernacle, he offered them out on the high places like
the rest fo the people, as I Kings 3:3-4 tells us. “And
Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he
sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great
high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.”
Over the years, the hills around Gibeon had become one of
the most popular places to offer sacrifices, and Solomon regularly went there
to worship. During one of those trips to
Gibeon to worship, God appearred to Solomon, offering him anything he wanted,
as I Kings 3:5 tells us. “In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a
dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.”
At this point in his life, Solomon was more concerned about
doing the job he had been called to do properly than about any personal
benefits he received, as demonstrated by his request, in I Kings 3:6-9. “And
Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy,
according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in
uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness,
that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy
servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know
not how to go out or come in. And thy
servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people,
that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding
heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is
able to judge this thy so great a people?”
Solomon understood that leading the nation was a greater
project than he could do on his own, and asked God’s guidance so that he would
be able to lead them properly. Unfortunately,
most modern political leaders are too proud and self centered to admit they
don’t know everything and ask for advice.
Even when they hold a hearing it seems like it is designed to convince
people they are right rather than to find out what is needed, deliberately
shutting down any information or opinions that does not support their
agenda.
Unlike many politicians today, Solomon was more concerned
about rhwe people than about himself.
God was pleased by his unselfish attitude, promising to give him al the personal blessings he could have asked
for as well, in I Kings 3:10-14. “And the speech pleased the Lord, that
Solomon had asked this thing. And God
said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for
thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the
life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern
judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a
wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee,
neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou
hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among
the kings like unto thee all thy days. And
if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy
father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.”
God promised to give Solomon a high level of understanding
what was needed, as he had asked. Along
with that he promised to give him wealth and prestige. Along with tht he made one conditional
promise, that it Solomon would serve him fully, he would give him a very long healthy
life. When Solomon returned to Jerusalem he went
into the Tabernacle and worshipped God, thanking him for promises, as I Kings
3:15 tells us. “And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to
Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up
burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his
servants.”
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