3:6-9
We now see the good side of Solomon in sharp relief. He recognises the kindness that God had shown to his father, and that David was blessed because of his faithfulness. Solomon recognised that he too was a recipient of that kindness. He then goes on to recognise his own weakness. On the basis of his own merits and abilities he was not qualified to carry out the task of being king. He was also aware of the enormity of the task, both in terms of the numerical size of the people, and the fact that they were God’s people. So he asks God to give him “a discerning heart”, for without God no one is able to govern His people.
3:10-13
“The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” Solomon had not sought wealth, or vengeance, but wisdom to rule in a godly fashion. We need all our leaders today to follow the same pattern. God is pleased to grant his request, and Solomon will be renowned for his wisdom. He will also give him “wealth and honour”. We perhaps see an example of Jesus’ words in Matt 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. There is also a problem. Solomon did indeed become wealthy and received much honour, but we know that in the end he fell away from the Lord, and wealth was part of the problem. Indeed in Proverbs 30:8 Agur asks that God give him neither riches nor poverty, for either could lead him astray. So what are we to make of this? Well we can dump any “prosperity gospel” nonsense, but neither should we regard riches as evil in themselves. The root problem is our hearts.
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