2 Chronicles 1:11

God said to Solomon, "Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or glory for yourself or death for your enemies--and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king--

Study Bible

God said to Solomon
This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Solomon, emphasizing the personal relationship and divine favor Solomon enjoyed. In the Hebrew context, the name "Solomon" (Shlomo) is derived from "shalom," meaning peace. This reflects the peaceful reign Solomon was to have, contrasting with his father David's era of war. The direct speech from God signifies the importance of Solomon's request and God's approval of his heart's desires.

Since this was in your heart
The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Solomon's heart was aligned with God's will, demonstrating a sincere desire to lead with wisdom. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that God values the intentions and motivations of the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

you have not requested riches or wealth or glory
These terms represent the typical desires of earthly kings. Riches and wealth (often interchangeable in Hebrew) signify material abundance, while glory refers to honor and fame. Solomon's choice to forgo these reflects a profound understanding of true leadership, prioritizing divine wisdom over temporal gains. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33 about seeking first the kingdom of God.

or the death of your enemies
In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings often sought the destruction of their enemies to secure their reign. Solomon's decision not to ask for this demonstrates a commitment to peace and justice, aligning with the messianic vision of a kingdom characterized by righteousness and peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).

and since you have not even requested long life
Long life was considered a blessing and a sign of God's favor in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 5:33). Solomon's choice to prioritize wisdom over longevity indicates a selfless concern for the well-being of his people rather than personal gain, reflecting the heart of a true servant leader.

but have asked for wisdom and knowledge
Wisdom (chokmah) and knowledge (da'at) are central themes in biblical literature, especially in the wisdom books like Proverbs, which Solomon is traditionally credited with authoring. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge, and in the biblical sense, it begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Solomon's request highlights his understanding of the need for divine guidance to rule justly.

to govern My people
The phrase "My people" emphasizes God's ownership and covenant relationship with Israel. Solomon's request is not for personal benefit but for the ability to lead God's chosen people effectively. This reflects a theocentric view of kingship, where the king serves as God's representative on earth.

over whom I have made you king
This acknowledges God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. Solomon's kingship is not by his own merit but by divine appointment. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1), and leaders are accountable to Him for their governance. Solomon's request for wisdom is thus an acknowledgment of his dependence on God to fulfill his divinely ordained role.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the First Temple in Jerusalem. He is the central figure in this passage, having just become king of Israel.

2. God
The sovereign deity of Israel, who appears to Solomon in a dream and offers him anything he desires. God's response to Solomon's request highlights His approval of Solomon's priorities.

3. Israel
The nation over which Solomon reigns. The context of Solomon's request is his desire to govern this people wisely.

4. Gibeon
The place where Solomon offered sacrifices and where God appeared to him in a dream. It was a significant high place before the Temple was built in Jerusalem.

5. Wisdom and Knowledge
The qualities Solomon requests from God, which are central to his ability to govern effectively. These are contrasted with more typical royal desires like wealth or power.

Teaching Points

Prioritizing Godly Wisdom
Solomon's request for wisdom over wealth or power demonstrates the importance of prioritizing spiritual discernment and understanding in leadership and personal life.

Aligning Desires with God's Will
Solomon's heart was aligned with God's purposes, showing that when our desires match God's will, He is pleased to grant them.

The Value of Selfless Leadership
Solomon's request was not for personal gain but for the benefit of his people, illustrating the biblical principle of servant leadership.

God's Generosity in Response to Righteous Requests
God's response to Solomon shows His willingness to bless those who seek His wisdom and prioritize His kingdom.

The Impact of a Heart for God
Solomon's heart for God set the foundation for his reign, reminding us that our inner motivations significantly impact our external actions and legacy.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Solomon's request for wisdom reveal about his character and priorities as a leader?

2. How can we apply Solomon's example of seeking wisdom in our own decision-making processes today?

3. In what ways does the New Testament encourage believers to seek wisdom, and how does this connect to Solomon's account?

4. How does Solomon's request demonstrate the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God, as taught by Jesus?

5. Reflect on a time when you prioritized God's wisdom over worldly desires. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:5-14
This parallel account of Solomon's request for wisdom provides additional details and emphasizes God's pleasure with Solomon's choice.

Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that wisdom comes from the Lord, reinforcing the idea that Solomon's request aligns with divine principles.

James 1:5
This New Testament passage encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, drawing a parallel to Solomon's request and God's generous response.