Solomon’s Question

Many people have taught that Solomon asked God for “wisdom” and that is not true according to the Bible.

In our current lives we would most likely ask for money, but Solomon did not. It struck me today that he was already a King of God’s chosen people, already had great riches that was passed down from his father David, and was already in the process of building the Temple of God (fully funded) when he was asked what he wanted.

We read in 1 Kings 3:3-4 that Solomon went up to offer 1,000 burnt offerings to God just because he loved Him, and it was during that time that God asked him: “tell me what I should give you?”

Here is King Solomon’s answer:
So give Your servant an UNDERSTANDING MIND and a HEARING HEART to JUDGE Your people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge and rule this Your great people? 1 Kings 3:9 AMP

Then we have God’s response to Solomon’s request:
It PLEASED the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, Because you have asked this and have NOT asked for long life or for riches, nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to recognize what is just and right, Behold, I HAVE done as you asked. I have given you a wise, discerning mind, so that NO ONE before you was your equal, nor shall ANY arise after you equal to you. 1 Kings 3:10-12 AMP

So it was during a large sacrifice that the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream as Solomon was young as a ruler and already had riches and a kingdom that he then asked for a discerning heart to rule God’s people. His focus was on God’s people and NOT himself!

So what do we really learn from this to apply to our lives?

Well, ask God for things to help you grow and not focus so much on material things and you might just get your requests answered more often. God cares more about His people then your things, though He already knows what you need before you ask Him. I think it is when we focus on us instead of His people that we get off track.

To the best of my knowledge nowhere in the NEW Testament did anyone ever pray for things, but prayed for “open doors”, “wisdom”, and “to know the height, width, breadth, and depth of God’s love”. So let’s try and relax and focus on God’s agenda instead of our own and see what happens…