Journal Through the Bible: Week 46 Wednesday

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(Solomon was probably a young man when this event happened.)

I Kings chapter 3

This has to be one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible! In the early years of his reign Solomon loved the LORD and followed the commands of God and his father. It was as though Solomon realized what a privilege it was to be the beloved son of David and the beloved son of God and he was in awe of this. It was no surprise then that when the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him whatever his heart desired Solomon rehearsed with thanksgiving the many blessings God had granted a lowly shepherd boy by making him king and then humbly requested wisdom for himself to properly govern God's people. Here was a man who was aware of just how far his family had come from its humble beginnings. Wow!


Does God issue any commands?

• God asked Solomon what it was he would like God to give him. This might not seem like a command exactly, but when the Sovereign of the Universe asks what it is you want it you can be sure He is awaiting an answer! Solomon's answer pleased God greatly!

Does God make any promises?

• In his prayer Solomon recounts from a thankful heart some of the promises that God had fulfilled. Specifically, he mentioned the promise to David of a dynasty.
• Solomon also mentioned the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel such a large nation that they could not be numbered.
• God promised Solomon that he would be wiser than any man that had come before or after him.
• God also promised Solomon things that he did not request such as riches, honor, and also a long life if he followed God's statutes and commandments.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• God is wisdom and Jesus is God personified. Many of the proverbs written by Solomon are about wisdom personified. As the wisest mortal who ever lived Solomon was a picture of Jesus, the one who will rule and reign in complete wisdom but without sin.
• The verdict that Solomon rendered when he used Godly wisdom to sort out the mothers of the living and dead children made his subjects reverence him and fear his judgment. Because of the wisdom that Jesus exhibited many who encountered Him in his earthly ministry reverenced Him and feared His judgment, too. We are also to reverence and fear Jesus because we will all stand in front of Him in judgment one day.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• One day a wiser One than Solomon will rule and reign throughout eternity and each of us has yet to stand before Him and be judged.