Friday, April 26
Read 1 Kings 3
Think About It:
- Years earlier, King David had brought the Arc of the Covenant to Jerusalem, however the remainder of the Tabernacle was still in the town of Gibeon. Solomon (means peace) assembled the leaders of Israel at the altar of sacrifice to worship the Lord.
That evening the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream. What would he ask for? He was not a warrior like his father was, but he saw himself as a youthful leader who desperately needed wisdom so he could adequately serve God’s chosen people. He had succeeded David, Israel’s greatest leader, and Solomon knew that the people couldn’t help but compare and contrast father and son. But even more, he had been called to build the temple of the Lord—an awesome task for such an inexperienced leader. Solomon knew he couldn’t accomplish that great venture without wisdom from heaven.
What would you have asked for if you were in his place? Money, fame, possessions, salvation for family members? Do you think Solomon ever imagined the Lord would make him the wisest person that ever roamed the earth?
- The first story the Bible tells us of his wisdom was in the case of the two harlots. How could he know whose child it was? This is where we can see the “Understanding Heart” that the Lord had given him. The decision he made involving the life of a child impressed all in the land, and the people knew Solomon would lead the nation properly and administer justice.
Family Time:
- How did the Lord come to Solomon? What did the Lord ask Solomon?
- What did Solomon ask for? Why?
- Did the Lord give Solomon what he asked for? Did the Lord only give Solomon what he asked for?
- Do you know of a situation where someone was seeking God and were blessed beyond what they were expecting?
