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In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, ask what shall I give thee. 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 has kept him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted in multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge so great a people?

 

What a great story. Solomon was asked by his Lord what he would need to be king and be able to rule over God's chosen people. Solomon was very careful in what and how he answered his Lord God. He had insight as to the disposition of God by watching his dad, King David, and David's relationship with God. Solomon is humble before the Lord. He shows honor to God's people. Solomon also understands it is not just in Israel the land but Israel the people there of which are scattered about the known world that he would be a ruler over them.

Solomon's discernment with the choice is showing God a wisdom before he grants it to Solomon. God also gives him understanding and kindness. Solomon also tells God he saw the mercy that God bestowed on his servant, David. Henceforth, Solomon asks God to also give him the same mercy and for him to show mercy in his judgements to God's people. There is a lot going on here besides him just asking God for understanding and wisdom. For in his decisions will he be seen as to what type of king would be ruling his people. And those people are God's chosen.

Lord, grant us understanding and wisdom in our lives. Lord, show us mercy. Lord, grant us kindness. Amen!

Russ Nixon rwnixon57@yahoo.com