King
David had left to his son the plan, finances, and materials to build the
temple. Solomon so desired to honor God and his father in succeeding as king
and temple builder. It was up to God to help him on his quest. That night the
Lord came to Solomon to provide the answer.
7 That
night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for
whatever you want me to give you.” 8 Solomon answered God,
“You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his
place. 9 Now, LORD God, let your promise to
my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a
people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give
me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to
govern this great people of yours?” 11 God said to
Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not
asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and
since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern
my people over whom I have made you king,12 therefore wisdom
and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth,
possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none
after you will have.”
His
request was made a reality. God appeared to Solomon and asked him to ask for
whatever he desired. His asked for wisdom and knowledge so that he would be
able to lead God’s people, Israel, in a way that honored the Lord. God was so
pleased the he granted it and gave him much, much more. He made Solomon the
wisest, wealthiest, and most honored man ever! - 2 Chronicles
1:7-12
Why did
Solomon’s request for wisdom please God so much? I think it pleased him because it focused on God and others first.
How do
your requests make God feel?
Are they focused on Him and others?
