Moreover, I will give you what you did not request--both riches and honor--so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. Moreover, I will give youThis phrase signifies God's abundant grace and generosity. The Hebrew root for "give" is "נָתַן" (natan), which implies a bestowal or granting of something. In the context of Solomon's request for wisdom, God’s response is not just to fulfill the request but to exceed it. This reflects the biblical principle that God often provides beyond what we ask or imagine ( Ephesians 3:20). It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bless abundantly. what you did not request
Solomon's initial request was for wisdom to govern the people, demonstrating his humility and prioritization of God's people over personal gain. The phrase highlights God's omniscience and His understanding of our needs beyond our own requests. It also underscores the biblical truth that when we seek first the kingdom of God, all other things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). both riches and honor
The Hebrew words for "riches" (עֹשֶׁר, osher) and "honor" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) denote material wealth and social esteem, respectively. In the ancient Near Eastern context, these were seen as signs of divine favor and success. God's promise to Solomon is comprehensive, covering both material and immaterial blessings. This reflects the biblical theme that God is the source of all blessings and that true honor comes from Him. so that during your lifetime
This phrase sets a temporal boundary on the promise, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of God's blessing. It reassures Solomon that these blessings will be evident and experienced throughout his life. It also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the importance of using God-given resources wisely and for His glory. no man in any kingdom will be your equal
The promise of unparalleled status among kings highlights the unique favor and distinction God bestowed upon Solomon. The phrase "no man" (אִישׁ, ish) emphasizes the exclusivity of Solomon's position. Historically, Solomon's reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and international recognition, fulfilling this divine promise. This serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His word, encouraging believers to trust in His promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building the First Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, God is speaking to Solomon in a dream. 2. GodThe sovereign Lord who appears to Solomon in a dream, offering him wisdom, and additionally granting him riches and honor. 3. JerusalemThe city where Solomon reigned as king and where he built the temple, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 4. The Dream at GibeonThis event occurs at Gibeon, where Solomon offers sacrifices and God appears to him in a dream, granting him wisdom and more. 5. IsraelThe nation over which Solomon ruled, experiencing a time of peace and prosperity during his reign. Teaching Points God's GenerosityGod not only answers our prayers but often exceeds our requests, demonstrating His abundant generosity. Prioritizing WisdomLike Solomon, we should prioritize wisdom and understanding over material wealth, trusting that God will provide for our needs. The Role of HumilitySolomon's humble request for wisdom over personal gain is a model for us to approach God with humility and selflessness. The Impact of God's BlessingsGod's blessings are not just for personal benefit but are meant to impact others and glorify Him. The Temporary Nature of Earthly RichesWhile Solomon was granted riches and honor, these are temporary and should not be our ultimate pursuit. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom over wealth reflect his priorities, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives? 2. In what ways does God's response to Solomon's request demonstrate His character and generosity? 3. How can we seek wisdom in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to prioritize it over material possessions? 4. What are some examples in your life where God has provided beyond what you asked for, and how did that impact your faith? 5. How can the account of Solomon's request and God's response encourage us to approach God with humility and trust in His provision? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:5-12This passage provides context for 1 Kings 3:13, detailing Solomon's request for wisdom and God's response. Proverbs 3:16This verse speaks of wisdom bringing long life, riches, and honor, echoing the blessings God bestowed upon Solomon. Matthew 6:33Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God, which aligns with Solomon's prioritization of wisdom over wealth. James 1:5This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reflecting Solomon's request and God's generous response. | The Prayer of Solomon and its Fulfilment | E. De Pressense | 1 Kings 3:3-16; 4:2-34 | | A Prince At Prayer | | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Choice | E. J. Hardy, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Acquisition of Knowledge | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Dreams Indicate Character | Hugh Black, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Effectual Prayer | Homilist | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Lonely Communion in View of Great Duty | H. O. Mackey. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | On the Youth of Solomon | A. Allison, LL. B. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. MacNeill. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | Monday Club Sermons | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | J. Eells, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Solomon's Choice | E. Payson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Duty, Nature, and Blessings of Prayer | R. P. Buddicom, M. A. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The First Thing to Do | C. S. Robinson, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Heart as Organ of Insight | C. H. Parkhurst, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Highest Order of Wisdom | Alex. Whyte, D. D. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Story of a Right Choice | W. Hoyt. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | The Wisdom of Solomon | Homiletic Quarterly | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | True Aims and False Aims | H. Evans. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | Wisdom | Carlyle. | 1 Kings 3:5-15 | | A Wise Prayer | J. Waite | 1 Kings 3:5-16 | | The Wisdom of Solomon's Choice | A. Rowland | 1 Kings 3:9-13 |
People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Compare, Equal, Glory, Hast, Honor, Honour, Kings, Lifetime, Request, Riches, WealthDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 3:13 1194 glory, divine and human
4966 present, the
5413 money, attitudes
8701 affluence 1 Kings 3:5-13 8130 guidance, from godly people 1 Kings 3:5-14 5548 speech, divine
6622 choice 1 Kings 3:5-15 5849 exaltation 1 Kings 3:6-15 5120 Solomon, character 1 Kings 3:10-14 5787 ambition, positive 1 Kings 3:11-14 5871 greed, response to Library A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 3:13 NIV1 Kings 3:13 NLT1 Kings 3:13 ESV1 Kings 3:13 NASB1 Kings 3:13 KJV
1 Kings 3:13 Commentaries
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