Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. Now it pleased the LordThe phrase "Now it pleased the Lord" indicates a divine response characterized by approval and satisfaction. The Hebrew root for "pleased" is "יָטַב" (yatab), which conveys a sense of goodness, joy, or favor. This reflects God's nature as one who delights in the righteous desires of His people. In the broader biblical context, God's pleasure is often associated with obedience and faithfulness, as seen in passages like Psalm 147:11, "The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." Solomon's request aligns with God's will, demonstrating a heart that seeks wisdom over personal gain, which is inherently pleasing to God. that Solomon had made this request
The focus here is on "Solomon had made this request," highlighting the specific nature of Solomon's petition. The Hebrew word for "request" is "שְׁאֵלָה" (she'elah), which implies a petition or inquiry. Solomon's request for wisdom, as detailed earlier in 1 Kings 3:9, is not for personal aggrandizement but for the ability to govern God's people justly. This request reflects a deep understanding of his role as king and a humble acknowledgment of his need for divine guidance. Historically, Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity, often attributed to the wisdom granted by God in response to this request. Scripturally, this moment sets a precedent for seeking God's wisdom, as echoed in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Solomon's example encourages believers to prioritize spiritual discernment and divine guidance in their own lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he is a central figure in this passage as he seeks wisdom from God. 2. The Lord (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who is pleased with Solomon's request for wisdom. This reflects God's character as one who values wisdom and discernment. 3. GibeonThe place where Solomon offered sacrifices and where God appeared to him in a dream. It was a significant high place before the temple was built in Jerusalem. 4. DreamThe medium through which God communicated with Solomon, offering him anything he desired. This event highlights the importance of divine communication in the Old Testament. 5. Request for WisdomSolomon's request for an understanding heart to govern the people, rather than for personal gain, which pleased God and set the stage for his wise reign. Teaching Points The Value of WisdomSolomon's request highlights the importance of valuing wisdom over material wealth or power. As believers, we should prioritize seeking God's wisdom in our lives. Pleasing God with Our RequestsOur prayers and requests should align with God's will and character. Solomon's request pleased God because it was selfless and focused on serving others. God's GenerosityGod is generous and willing to give wisdom to those who ask. We should approach Him with confidence, knowing that He desires to equip us for His purposes. The Role of HumilitySolomon's request demonstrated humility, acknowledging his need for God's guidance. Humility is essential in our relationship with God and in seeking His wisdom. The Impact of LeadershipSolomon's request for wisdom was motivated by his responsibility to lead God's people. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance in positions of leadership and influence. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Solomon's request for wisdom reveal about his character and priorities, and how can we apply this to our own lives? 2. How does the concept of wisdom in 1 Kings 3:10 connect with the teachings in the book of Proverbs, and what practical steps can we take to seek wisdom today? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our prayers and requests align with God's will, as Solomon's did? 4. How does the promise of James 1:5 encourage us to seek wisdom from God, and what are some areas in our lives where we need to apply this promise? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a significant decision. How can Solomon's example guide you in seeking God's wisdom for future decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures James 1:5This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault. It echoes the principle seen in Solomon's request. Proverbs 2:6This verse states that the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding, reinforcing the source of true wisdom as seen in Solomon's account. Matthew 6:33Jesus teaches to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added. Solomon's request aligns with this principle of prioritizing God's will over personal desires. | The Prayer of Solomon and its Fulfilment | E. De Pressense | 1 Kings 3:3-16; 4:2-34 | | A Prince At Prayer | | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Choice | E. J. Hardy, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Acquisition of Knowledge | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Dreams Indicate Character | Hugh Black, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Effectual Prayer | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Lonely Communion in View of Great Duty | H. O. Mackey. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | On the Youth of Solomon | A. Allison, LL. B. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. MacNeill. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | Monday Club Sermons | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. Eells, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | E. Payson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Duty, Nature, and Blessings of Prayer | R. P. Buddicom, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The First Thing to Do | C. S. Robinson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Heart as Organ of Insight | C. H. Parkhurst, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Highest Order of Wisdom | Alex. Whyte, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Story of a Right Choice | W. Hoyt. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Wisdom of Solomon | Homiletic Quarterly | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | True Aims and False Aims | H. Evans. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Wisdom | Carlyle. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Prayer | J. Waite | 1 Kings 3:5-16 | | The Wisdom of Solomon's Choice | A. Rowland | 1 Kings 3:9-13 |
People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Pleased, Pleasing, Request, Sight, Solomon, Solomon's, SpeechDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 3:10 8460 pleasing God 1 Kings 3:5-12 1680 types 1 Kings 3:5-13 8130 guidance, from godly people 1 Kings 3:5-14 5548 speech, divine
6622 choice 1 Kings 3:5-15 5849 exaltation 1 Kings 3:6-15 5120 Solomon, character 1 Kings 3:9-12 8281 insight
8409 decision-making, and providence 1 Kings 3:10-12 5028 knowledge, God source of human 1 Kings 3:10-14 5787 ambition, positive Library A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed 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. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 3:10 NIV1 Kings 3:10 NLT1 Kings 3:10 ESV1 Kings 3:10 NASB1 Kings 3:10 KJV
1 Kings 3:10 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
