How does 1 Kings 5:12 demonstrate God's role in granting wisdom to Solomon? Verse at a Glance 1 Kings 5:12: “So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.” How the Verse Shows God’s Direct Role • “The LORD gave” – wisdom is explicitly credited to God, not to Solomon’s intellect or experience. • “as He had promised” – ties the gift to God’s prior word (cf. 1 Kings 3:12); His promise is both personal and reliable. • Immediate outcome – diplomatic success and peace with Hiram flow directly from that God-given wisdom. Connection to God’s Earlier Promise • 1 Kings 3:5-14 – God invites Solomon to ask; Solomon requests discernment; God vows, “I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” • 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 echoes the same promise and fulfillment. • 1 Kings 4:29 – “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight” affirms the ongoing nature of the gift. • Proverbs 2:6 – “For the LORD gives wisdom” states the principle behind the narrative. Fruit of God-Given Wisdom in 5:12 • Peaceful international relations – wisdom enables Solomon to secure a treaty with Hiram, ensuring needed materials for the temple. • Cooperative project – wisdom fosters mutual respect and shared purpose rather than coercion. • Fulfillment of Israel’s mission – the temple’s construction can proceed because divine wisdom produced the right partnership at the right time. Broader Biblical Consistency • James 1:5 – believers are urged to ask God for wisdom, confirming He remains the source. • Daniel 2:21 – God “gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” • Proverbs 3:19 – “By wisdom the LORD founded the earth,” showing wisdom originates in God’s own character. Takeaways for Today • Wisdom is a divine gift, not merely human achievement. • God keeps His word; what He promises He supplies, often with practical, tangible results. • When God grants wisdom, it produces peace, collaboration, and progress in His purposes. |
    |