Passage Viewer

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

Chapter 3

5
It was in Gibeon, during the night, that the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said: “Ask what you want me to give you.”
7

And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David, my father, although I am a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything.

8

Meantime, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen—a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted.

9

Give me an understanding mind in governing your people so that I may discern between good and evil. For who can govern this multitude of yours?”

10

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had made this request.

11

And he told him: “Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,

12

I shall grant you your request. I now give you a wise and discerning mind like no one has had before you, nor anyone after you shall ever have.

Commentaries

3:1 - 3:15

Solomon’s Vision.

The narrator highlights Solomon’s wisdom (chapters 3-5), his building projects (chapters 6-9), and his prosperity (chapter 10). This account emphasizes his wisdom as a ruler, evident in his administration of justice, the reorganization of the kingdom, and the planning of foreign policy. Solomon’s wisdom encompassed not only literature and the arts. Wisdom is a gift from God, granted to Solomon in the sanctuary at Gibeon as a result of prayer.

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