1 Kings 3:15

Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.

Study Bible

Then Solomon awoke
The phrase "Then Solomon awoke" signifies a transition from the divine encounter in a dream to the conscious reality. In Hebrew, the word for "awoke" is "וַיִּיקַץ" (vayyiqatz), which implies a sudden realization or coming to awareness. This awakening is not just physical but spiritual, as Solomon has just received wisdom from God. It marks the beginning of his reign characterized by divine insight.

and indeed it had been a dream
The acknowledgment that "it had been a dream" underscores the biblical theme of God communicating through dreams, as seen with figures like Joseph and Daniel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dreams were considered significant and often divine messages. This dream was a pivotal moment for Solomon, confirming God's promise and presence in his life.

So he returned to Jerusalem
Returning to Jerusalem, the city of David, signifies Solomon's commitment to his kingly duties and the centrality of Jerusalem in Israel's spiritual and political life. Jerusalem, known as "Yerushalayim" in Hebrew, is the city chosen by God for His temple, symbolizing divine favor and the heart of Israelite worship.

stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD
Standing "before the ark of the covenant of the LORD" indicates Solomon's reverence and acknowledgment of God's presence. The Ark, containing the tablets of the Law, was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's covenant with His people. This act of standing before the Ark shows Solomon's submission to God's authority and his role as a covenantal king.

and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings
The "burnt offerings and peace offerings" were integral parts of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and fellowship with God. The Hebrew term for burnt offering, "עֹלָה" (olah), means "that which goes up," signifying the offering's ascent to God. Peace offerings, "שְׁלָמִים" (shelamim), were expressions of gratitude and communion. Solomon's offerings reflect his devotion and desire to maintain a harmonious relationship with God.

Then he held a feast for all his servants
Holding "a feast for all his servants" demonstrates Solomon's generosity and the joy of communal celebration. Feasts in the biblical context were times of fellowship, thanksgiving, and unity. This act of feasting with his servants highlights Solomon's role as a leader who values community and the well-being of those under his care, fostering a sense of shared purpose and divine blessing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, he has just experienced a divine dream where God granted him wisdom.

2. Jerusalem
The central city of Israel, Jerusalem is the political and spiritual heart of the nation. It is where Solomon returns to worship and offer sacrifices.

3. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel. It symbolizes God's presence among His people.

4. Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings
These are types of sacrifices in the Old Testament. Burnt offerings signify atonement and dedication to God, while peace offerings symbolize fellowship and thanksgiving.

5. Feast for All His Servants
This event signifies celebration and communal joy, reflecting Solomon's gratitude and the unity of his court.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Divine Wisdom
Solomon's dream and request for wisdom emphasize the value of seeking God's guidance above all else. In our lives, we should prioritize spiritual wisdom over worldly gains.

Worship and Gratitude
Solomon's immediate response of worship and sacrifice upon waking demonstrates the importance of gratitude and reverence towards God. We should cultivate a heart of thankfulness and worship in response to God's blessings.

Community and Celebration
The feast for Solomon's servants highlights the role of community and shared joy in the life of believers. We are called to celebrate God's goodness together, fostering unity and fellowship.

Symbolism of the Ark
The Ark of the Covenant represents God's presence and faithfulness. In our spiritual journey, we should remember and honor God's promises and His presence in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's response to his dream reflect his priorities, and what can we learn from this about our own priorities in seeking God's wisdom?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the principles of burnt and peace offerings—atonement, dedication, and thanksgiving—into our modern worship practices?

3. How does the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in this passage remind us of God's faithfulness, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily walk with God?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual lives, as seen in Solomon's feast, and how can we actively foster a sense of unity and celebration among fellow believers?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's guidance or blessing. How did you respond, and how might Solomon's example inspire a different or deeper response in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 28:10-22
Jacob's dream at Bethel, where he encounters God and receives promises, parallels Solomon's dream, highlighting divine communication through dreams.

Exodus 25:10-22
The instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant provide context for its significance in Israel's worship and Solomon's actions.

Leviticus 1 & 3
These chapters detail the procedures for burnt and peace offerings, underscoring their importance in Israelite worship and Solomon's adherence to the law.

2 Chronicles 1:1-13
This passage recounts Solomon's request for wisdom and God's response, providing a broader context for his dream and subsequent actions.