Solomon Prays for Wisdom

 

2 Chronicles 1:7-13

 

MY 3, 2023

 

Solomon Prays for Wisdom

In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.”  And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place.  O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.  Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”  God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom, and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”  So, Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.

 

David referred to Solomon as a child, many say he could have been 7 or 20, but I’m going with the seven.  That night God appeared to Solomon and said ask what I shall give you.  Read Solomon's responses, that does not sound like many of the great prophets, such as Elijah who was hiding in a cave in fear of an evil queen.  We joined the account of God asking Elijah what is he doing there, and telling him that He was going to pass by the cave, this does not sound like Solomon's response.  1 Kings 19:11-13, “And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.  And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. “

How about Isaiah the great prophet, saw a vision of God, recorded in Isaiah 6:1-3, “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

 

What was Isaiah's response to seeing God, 1 Kings 6:5, “And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

 

To great men, and one child that had child-like faith, very different responses.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice