BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Chapters 3 and 4 relate the granting of wisdom to Solomon and the grandeur of his kingdom. Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter was a political move to form a diplomatic alliance. At the time, Egyptian Pharaohs rarely allowed their daughters to marry foreign rulers, signalling Egypt’s weakness and Israel’s strength. Historically, worship of gods often took place at elevated “high places,” many of which were sites of idolatry. Before the Temple was built, Israel worshiped God at sites like Gibeon, where the Tabernacle and altar were located (2 Chronicles 1:3-6). Solomon later offered sacrifices in Jerusalem, before the Ark, housed in a tent David had made (2 Samuel 6:12-17).
When God offered Solomon anything, his humble request for wisdom reflected his youth and inexperience. Bible scholars believe Solomon was around twenty years old at the time. His request for an “understanding heart” indicated his desire to obey God. Solomon’s wisdom was quickly tested, as seen in his judgment over two harlots, which proved his ability to administer justice and earned the trust of his people.
God granted Solomon wisdom and the ability to surround himself with capable leaders, including princes, priests, and officials. He ruled over all of Israel and neighbouring kingdoms, from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean and Egypt. His reign was unmatched in territorial scope. To sustain his household, Solomon required vast amounts of food and had 40,000 horse stalls and 12,000 horsemen. He wrote over 1,000 songs and 3,000 proverbs, covering topics such as trees, animals, insects, birds and sea life. Solomon was wiser than “all men” and, therefore, his fame spread to all the nations in the surrounding area. Many came to see and listen to him because they had heard of his wisdom, power, and wealth.

A TESTIMONY FROM OUR DAY

The heart is a relentless pump, beating before birth and continuing until death. Despite its small size, it contracts 70–80 times per minute and pumps about 4,300 gallons of blood daily. Its average size is that of a clenched fi st, weighing about 310 grams. The heart’s primary function is to deliver oxygen-rich blood to every cell in the body. While modern technology has uncovered some of its mysteries, much remains unknown, sparking fascination about its nature and function. Solomon, too, was intrigued by the heart, mentioning it 81 times in 78 verses in Proverbs.
Solomon recognized that the “heart” refers to both a physical organ and a spiritual centre. Physically, it is protected in the chest, behind the breastbone, and surrounded by the ribcage. Spiritually, the heart is the core of our being. In a regenerated heart, there is trust, faith, forgiveness, and love; in an unregenerated heart, there are wicked thoughts, lust, envy, and deceit. Solomon often emphasized the importance of guarding the heart, advising that we should ask God to take ownership of it. Surrendering our hearts to God leads to spiritual regeneration, restoring our relationship with our Creator and erasing past sins, bringing transformation and joy.
As we grow in our relationship with God, Satan may try to diminish our joy and cause doubt, but trusting God keeps our hearts healthy. He expands our capacity to experience deeper intimacy with Him. Solomon’s “largeness of heart” enabled him to understand beyond natural limits, making him a widely-known king. However, he foreshadowed a greater King—Jesus, who, though born humbly, reigns over a lasting Kingdom that thrives in the lives of individuals today.

A CLOSER LOOK

Question 1
What did Solomon request from God? Why was God pleased with Solomon’s request? 1 Kings 3:5-14
Question 2
What was Solomon’s first demonstration of great wisdom? 1 Kings 3:16-28
Question 3
God gave Solomon wisdom, but Solomon had to apply that in life. Give some examples of how we can apply God’s wisdom in our lives.
Question 4
How many officers did Solomon have? (I Kings 4:7) In what ways did Solomon use the gifts God gave him to better Israel? (I Kings 4:25)
Question 5
Many sought to hear the wisdom of Solomon. How should we seek the wisdom God offers? I Kings 3:9,14; James 1:5

TAKE HOME

When asking God, we can easily aim too low. God would have us aim for the centre of the target by asking for wisdom. Out of His abundance, God gave Solomon what he needed to rule a nation well. He will provide for our daily needs too, as we endeavour to keep our hearts in harmony with Him.