How does Solomon acknowledge God's "great loving devotion" in 1 Kings 3:6? Setting the Scene in Gibeon 1 Kings 3 opens with Solomon offering sacrifices at Gibeon. During the night the LORD appears in a dream and invites the young king to ask for whatever he desires. Solomon’s first words are not about himself but about the LORD’s previous dealings with David. How Solomon Describes God’s Devotion “ ‘You have shown great loving devotion to Your servant, my father David… And You have continued this great loving devotion to him to this day by giving him a son to sit on his throne.’ ” (1 Kings 3:6) What Solomon Acknowledges • God has already demonstrated a history of “great loving devotion” (ḥesed) toward David. • That devotion was rooted in David’s life of “truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart.” • The same devotion is still active—evidenced by Solomon himself now sitting on the throne. Specific Ways God’s Devotion Was Visible • Deliverance and protection of David throughout his life (1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 22). • The covenant promise: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). • Preservation of the royal line, culminating in Solomon’s peaceful accession (1 Chronicles 22:9). • Ongoing covenant faithfulness echoed in Psalm 89:28—“I will maintain My loving devotion for him forever.” Why Solomon Brings This Up First • Gratitude: He recognizes he is the direct beneficiary of promises made to his father. • Perspective: Before asking for anything, he grounds his request in what God has already done. • Confidence: God’s track record assures Solomon that the LORD hears and answers. Compare Psalm 103:17—“The loving devotion of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” Qualities God Honored in David • Truth—integrity toward God’s word (Psalm 119:142). • Righteousness—obedience to God’s commands (1 Kings 15:5). • Uprightness of heart—wholehearted devotion (Psalm 78:72). Take-Home Reflections • God’s loving devotion is not abstract; it shows up in concrete, historical acts. • Remembering past faithfulness fuels present faith. • Walking in truth, righteousness, and uprightness positions believers to experience that same steadfast devotion (Proverbs 11:20; John 14:21). |
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