Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Solomon, Asking for Wisdom

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The account of Solomon's prayer for wisdom is a profound example of a prayer answered by God, demonstrating the importance of seeking divine guidance and understanding. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Kings 3:3-15 and 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

Context and Background

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne of Israel after his father's death. As a young king, Solomon faced the daunting task of ruling a vast and diverse nation. Recognizing his own limitations and the enormity of his responsibilities, Solomon sought divine assistance.

The Prayer

In 1 Kings 3:5, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and said, "Ask for whatever you want Me to give you." Solomon's response is recorded in 1 Kings 3:9 : "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?"

Solomon's request was not for personal gain, wealth, or long life, but for wisdom and discernment to govern the people of Israel justly. This selfless request pleased the Lord, as it demonstrated Solomon's humility and his desire to fulfill his kingly duties in accordance with God's will.

God's Response

God's response to Solomon's prayer is a testament to His generosity and willingness to grant wisdom to those who earnestly seek it. In 1 Kings 3:10-12 , it is written: "Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. So God said to him, 'Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice—behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.'"

In addition to granting Solomon unparalleled wisdom, God also bestowed upon him riches and honor, as noted in 1 Kings 3:13 : "Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during your lifetime you will have no equal among kings."

Impact and Legacy

Solomon's wisdom became legendary, attracting leaders and scholars from around the world to seek his counsel. His ability to make just and insightful decisions is exemplified in the famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon's discernment in this case solidified his reputation as a wise and fair ruler.

The wisdom granted to Solomon also enabled him to undertake significant projects, including the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which became the center of worship for the Israelites. His writings, such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, continue to be revered for their depth of insight and understanding.

Theological Significance

Solomon's prayer and God's response highlight the biblical principle that God values and rewards those who seek wisdom and understanding above personal gain. James 1:5 echoes this sentiment: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

This narrative serves as an enduring reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of aligning one's desires with God's purposes. Solomon's example encourages believers to prioritize spiritual discernment and to trust in God's provision for all other needs.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 3:1-13
And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
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1 Kings 9:2,3
That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon.
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Library

God Has Everything to do with Prayer
... This includes, like the answer to Solomon's prayer, that which ... the father is evinced
by the child's asking. ... Answered prayer brings God nigh, and assures men of ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/iv god has everything to.htm

Olney Hymns
... Hymn 20 DAVID's charge to SOLOMON. 1Chr 28:9. ... Prov 8:34,35. Hymn 24 Asking the way
to Zion. ... Hymn 35 Perplexity relieved. Hymn 36 Prayer answered by crosses. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/

The Costliness of Prayer
... upon their prayers, if they would be accepted and answered. ... as for your immortal
soul,"such prayer will cost ... If not, as Solomon, at length, yet shortly, as ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xvi the costliness of prayer.htm

The Great Change
... important as the greatest prayer that Solomon ever offered ... him intelligently, I had
this prayer answered, and that ... a time since then he has answered my requests ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the great change.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... Now God's gracious designs are answered, he removed the ... for you." Or bethink you
of Solomon, and of ... supercilious hypocrite, you would make your prayer itself a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Order and Argument in Prayer
... Solomon, at the opening of the temple, used this same mighty plea. ... very water that
was in the trenches, for Jehovah God had answered his servant's prayer. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/order and argument in prayer.htm

The Penitent Thief
... Solomon says, "The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.". ... blessing"promise of
fellowship"eternal rest; this is the way Christ answered his prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/vii the penitent thief.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... what we asked, being persuaded that he has answered our prayers ... the nature as on
the word of God during prayer, is by ... The name of the Lord," says Solomon, "is a ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

"This Thing is from Me"
... rightly, it would have been better if answered immediately ... have been spent with God
in prayer, and he ... greater wisdom than even his father Solomon possessed, to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

Give us Today Our Needful Bread
Origen on Prayer. ... Jesus answered and said to them: This is the work of God that you ...
There is also in Solomon a saying in the Proverbs which I think teaches that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xvii give us today.htm