2 Chronicles 1:7

That night God appeared to Solomon and said, "Ask, and I will give it to you!"

Study Bible

That night
The phrase "that night" indicates a specific time when God chose to reveal Himself to Solomon. In the Hebrew context, night often symbolizes a time of quiet and reflection, a period when God can speak to His people without the distractions of daily life. This timing underscores the intimacy and personal nature of God's communication with Solomon. It suggests that God’s revelations often come during moments of solitude and contemplation, encouraging believers to seek God in their own quiet times.

God appeared
The Hebrew word for "appeared" is "ra'ah," which means to see or to be visible. This appearance signifies a divine encounter, a theophany where God makes His presence known in a tangible way. In the Old Testament, such appearances are rare and significant, marking pivotal moments in the lives of those to whom God reveals Himself. This encounter emphasizes God's initiative in reaching out to Solomon, highlighting His desire to guide and bless those who seek Him.

to Solomon
Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is a central figure in the history of Israel. His name, derived from "shalom," meaning peace, reflects the peaceful and prosperous reign he would have. Solomon's relationship with God is foundational to his wisdom and success as a king. This divine encounter at the beginning of his reign sets the stage for his future, illustrating the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership and decision-making.

and said
The phrase "and said" indicates direct communication from God. In the Hebrew tradition, when God speaks, it is an authoritative and creative act. God's words are not merely informative but transformative, carrying the power to change circumstances and destinies. This direct speech to Solomon underscores the personal relationship God desires with His chosen leaders and His willingness to provide guidance and wisdom.

Ask for whatever you want Me to give you
This open-ended invitation from God is both a test and a blessing. The Hebrew word for "ask" is "sha'al," which implies a request or petition. God's offer to Solomon is unprecedented, reflecting His generosity and willingness to grant wisdom and blessings to those who seek Him earnestly. This moment is pivotal, as it reveals Solomon's heart and priorities. It serves as an inspiration for believers to align their desires with God's will, seeking not material wealth or power, but wisdom and understanding to fulfill their God-given purposes.

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. At this point in the account, he has just been established as king over Israel.

2. God
The sovereign deity of Israel, who appears to Solomon in a dream, offering him a unique opportunity to request anything he desires.

3. Gibeon
The location where Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar, which preceded God's appearance to him. Gibeon was a significant high place before the Temple was built in Jerusalem.

4. The Night
The time when God appeared to Solomon, indicating a divine encounter that was both personal and significant.

5. The Offer
God's invitation to Solomon to ask for anything he desires, highlighting the divine generosity and the importance of Solomon's response.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God
Solomon's encounter with God at Gibeon underscores the importance of seeking God through worship and sacrifice. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God.

God's Generosity
God's offer to Solomon reveals His generous nature. Believers can trust in God's willingness to provide for their needs when they seek Him with a sincere heart.

Wisdom as a Priority
Solomon's request for wisdom highlights the value of wisdom over material wealth or power. Christians are encouraged to prioritize spiritual wisdom in their lives.

Divine Encounters
The personal nature of God's appearance to Solomon reminds believers that God desires a personal relationship with each of His followers.

Responsibility of Leadership
Solomon's request for wisdom to govern well reflects the responsibility of leaders to seek God's guidance. This principle applies to all areas of leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Solomon's request for wisdom reveal about his priorities, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

2. How does God's offer to Solomon demonstrate His character, and what does this teach us about how we should approach God in prayer?

3. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decisions, and how does James 1:5 encourage us in this pursuit?

4. How does the setting of Gibeon as a place of worship and sacrifice relate to our own practices of worship today?

5. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's leadership that can be applied to our roles and responsibilities in our communities and families?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:5-14
This parallel account provides additional details about Solomon's request for wisdom and God's response, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in leadership.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, drawing a parallel to Solomon's request and God's willingness to grant wisdom to those who seek it.

Matthew 7:7-11
Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking, which reflects the principle of God's readiness to give good gifts to His children, as seen in His offer to Solomon.