by Wesley Blackburn
Solomon is an interesting figure to me throughout Biblical history. He did a lot of great things to further God's kingdom and take care of God's chosen people, Israel. He was setup for success. He had a father, David, who spent his entire life in pursuit of living the life God wanted him to live. He got to see the traits of a good ruler modeled for him. Yet while Solomon would do some great things, he would also do some not so great things. And I think as you look at the whole of Solomon's life, a lot of it has to do with Solomon doing the things that made sense to him, without necessarily consulting God first or really taking God at His word.
The two chapters we get to read today I think offer a really good insight into that. After receiving some last instructions from David before he passed away, we find Solomon taking the throne. Surely, this had to be an exciting and maybe even overwhelming feeling for him. Solomon, though, was surely David's chosen heir (if you read in 1 Kings 1 you discover this to be the case) and would gain the blessing of God as ruler of God's people. Yet, Solomon made some bad initial choices. Instead of resting in God's protection and direction as the king, Solomon would solidify himself in power by engaging in a bloody fight against all whom he perceived as opposing him. Surely, that couldn't have been God's will for Solomon. Then, as chapter three begins, we discover that Solomon has made a marriage alliance with the King of Egypt, despite God's continued warnings against such actions (see Deuteronomy 7:3-4; 17:16). Surely, Solomon had the tools to be a great ruler, but was fudging on his commitment to God and His commands when push came to shove.
Today's reading ends with one of Solomon's bright spots, though. When offering sacrifices to God and worshipping Him, Solomon is approached by God in a dream. God promises to give Solomon whatever he requests, and solomon asks for understanding and discernment to govern God's people. God is so pleased with this request that he not only gives Solomon what he asked for, but also the good things he didn't ask for: riches, peace, a long life.
As we trace the life of Solomon, we will discover that this understanding and discernment would serve him well over his years. Solomon would be regarded as the wisest man to ever live. But let's not confuse wisdom with action; it's one thing to know and understand right from wrong... it is another thing to practice it. I believe that God surely answers our prayers for wisdom and discernment as we seek His will for our lives. But God can give us all the direction in the world, and if we don't listen, then we are surely in trouble. Solomon would learn this. No doubt each of us has learned that as well.
God always blesses our request for wisdom. Let's actually use that wisdom God blesses us with to make great, God-honoring choices.
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