Solomon – The Teenaged King
1 Kings 2:3 (NIV)
“…observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to Him, and keep His decrees and commands…Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go” 1 Kings 2:3 (NIV)
The aforementioned charge is given to teenaged Solomon by his father, King David. David was dying at the time and was in the process of passing on the Kingship baton to his son. The inexperienced teenager was handed the keys to the Kingdom of Israel, and in his quest for knowledge for rulership over God’s people, the Bible records that Solomon went to Gibeon and offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar (1 Kings 3:4).
According to the biblical account, “…the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5 – NIV). In his reply, Solomon acknowledges that it was God who made him King, admitted that he was just a child who knew not how to carry out his duties, and, most importantly, requested that the Lord give him a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish right and wrong (wisdom) (1 Kings 3:4-9).
Beloved, King Solomon’s request pleased The Lord. He didn’t ask for long life, wealth, or death for his enemies but for discernment in administering justice. The Lord granted his request and more, declaring there was never anyone like him, nor will there ever be. Moreover, he was promised a long life once he was obedient to the Lord and kept His commands like his father, David (1 Kings 3: 11-14).
The wisdom that King Solomon received from God enabled him to build the first temple located in Jerusalem and earn a great international reputation. It also helped him resolve issues for his Kingdom. Additionally, research has indicated that King Solomon is believed to be the wealthiest person to ever live on earth through his forty-year reign (https://www.eldoradonews.com). What a blessing for someone who never asked for riches but merely wisdom to govern justly.
Youths, God states in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge…”. Like Solomon, seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in this life, and the blessings of the Lord, which make one rich and add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22), will be your portion. Amen!
Read: Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 64; John 11:1-44; 1 Samuel 2:27-36; 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4
