Day 123: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 72

At Gibeon 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)

What would you ask for? If given the same opportunity...I don't really know what I would ask for. But then again, maybe I do. It seems to me that Jesus gives us the same opportunity:

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21-22)

So, I suppose it's not really a hypothetical question. I know the answer. I have the same opportunity every day to ask God whatever I want. I'm pretty sure I don't make as much of the opportunity as Solomon did.

I think Solomon shows himself here to be truly concerned about wanting to be a good king. He's not just in it for the power and glory...he wants the good of his people. So here's his request:

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (1 Kings 3:9)

He begins his reign displaying some of the same humility David had. He doesn't feel worthy of the responsibility. I believe this is the attitude of all great leaders.

God is pleased with Solomon's request. So God grants the request...but he doesn't stop there...

"I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings." (1 Kings 3:12-13)

But there's one more thing...and this comes with a condition...

"And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:14)

IF you walk in obedience and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did. I believe we'll see that Solomon had a little trouble with this. But for now, this is Solomon's request:

Endow the king with your justice, O God,
   the royal son with your righteousness.
May he judge your people in righteousness,
   your afflicted ones with justice. (Psalm 72:1-2)