You're referring to one of the most famous and inspiring biblical requests!
The Bible verse you're thinking of is:
"Then King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 1,000 burnt offerings on that altar. At night, Solomon got up from bed, went out to his rooftop garden, and prayed to God: 'O Lord, God of my ancestors, the God who has made heaven and earth, great and wide, and beyond measure, your wisdom is too deep for me to fathom. Who can understand how you work? You have so much wisdom, power, and insight! I am but a mere mortal, and my understanding is limited by being human.'"
(1 Kings 3:15, TPT)
In this verse, King Solomon asks God for wisdom, not wealth or power, after he becomes king of Israel. God appears to him in a dream and says:
"What do you want me to give you? Ask, and I will give it to you."
Solomon responds by asking for wisdom to lead the people of Israel wisely and justly.
The Bible records that God was pleased with Solomon's request and gave him not only wisdom but also great wealth and honor (1 Kings 3:12-14). This story has become a classic example of seeking wisdom from God, and it has inspired countless people throughout history to seek God's guidance in their own lives.
In 1 Kings 3:5-15, King Solomon, who had just become the king of Israel after his father David's death, went to Gibeon to make a sacrifice to God. As he was sleeping that night, God appeared to him in a dream and said:
"At this time I knew that you would ask something from me, so do not refuse me." (1 Kings 3:5-6, NKJV)
God told Solomon that He would give him a choice of what he wanted, but with one condition: he had to choose wisely.
"So then, my son, the Lord asked me, 'What is it that you desire? Ask for yourself whatever you want me to give you.'" (1 Kings 3:4-5, NKJV)
Solomon thought carefully and replied:
"Give your servant an understanding heart... so that I may govern Your people Israel, which You have set apart for Yourself forever, that they may know that You are the One Who has put their hearts on their fingertips." (1 Kings 3:9-12, NKJV)
In essence, Solomon was asking for wisdom and discernment to be able to rule God's people effectively. He recognized that his responsibility as king would require him to make difficult decisions, and he wanted God's guidance to ensure that those decisions were in line with God's will.
God was pleased with Solomon's request and granted it:
"Since you have asked for wisdom in governing my people, and since you have not asked for riches, power or long life, but for wisdom... I will give you a wise and understanding heart." (1 Kings 3:11-12, NKJV)
This is often referred to as the "Solomon's Wisdom" episode in biblical history.
According to 1 Kings 3:5-14, King Solomon, the son of King David, was known for his wisdom, but before he became king, he made a remarkable request to God.
When Solomon was still a young man, his father David had grown old and was preparing to pass on the throne to his successor. One day, Solomon, who was then just 12 years old, had a dream in which God appeared to him in a vision. In this vision, God asked Solomon what he wanted most, and Solomon's response is quite remarkable.
Solomon could have asked for wealth, power, or even eternal life, but instead, he requested:
1. Wisdom: "Give your servant an understanding heart" (1 Kings 3:9).
2. Knowledge: "So that I may govern your people Israel and discipline them according to right and just laws" (1 Kings 3:6).
3. Understanding: "To know the difference between good and evil, because who can govern this great people of yours?" (1 Kings 3:9).
In essence, Solomon was asking God for wisdom to lead his people wisely, knowledge to make informed decisions, and understanding to distinguish right from wrong.
God was pleased with Solomon's request and responded positively:
"I will do what you have asked. I will give you a heart that is wise and understanding" (1 Kings 3:12).
This remarkable episode in Scripture sets the stage for Solomon's reign as king, during which he became renowned for his wisdom, justice, and prosperity.
The question of why King Solomon asked for wisdom is a significant one in the biblical account. According to 1 Kings 3:5-15, when Solomon was about to succeed his father David as king, he went to Gibeon, where God appeared to him in a dream and offered to grant him anything he desired.
Solomon's response was surprising to many people, including some of the Israelites who had expected him to ask for wealth or power. Instead, Solomon asked for wisdom: "Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong" (1 Kings 3:9).
There are several reasons why Solomon might have asked for wisdom:
1. **Leadership concerns**: As the new king of Israel, Solomon was aware of the challenges that lay ahead. He needed guidance on how to lead his people wisely, making decisions that would benefit everyone, not just himself or a select few.
2. **Divine perspective**: Wisdom is often seen as a gift from God, and by asking for it, Solomon was acknowledging God's sovereignty over all aspects of life. This request demonstrated his commitment to seeking guidance from the divine rather than relying solely on human insight.
3. **Justice and fairness**: As king, Solomon would be responsible for administering justice and ensuring that his people were treated fairly. Wisdom would enable him to make just decisions, considering all perspectives and weighing the consequences of his actions.
4. **Preventing exploitation**: By asking for wisdom, Solomon might have been seeking to prevent himself from becoming a tyrannical ruler who exploited his power for personal gain. He recognized that wisdom would help him use his authority in a way that benefited everyone, not just his own interests.
5. **Honoring God's promise**: In 1 Chronicles 22:12-13, David had instructed Solomon to follow the Lord and keep His commandments. By asking for wisdom, Solomon was demonstrating his commitment to following God's guidance and honoring the covenant between God and His people.
In summary, Solomon asked for wisdom because he recognized its importance in governing his people wisely, making just decisions, preventing exploitation, and honoring God's promise. His request reflects a deep understanding of the value of wisdom and a desire to lead with integrity and compassion.
A great choice!
1 Kings 3 in the King James Version (KJV) is a significant chapter that tells the story of Solomon's request for wisdom from God. Here are some notable events and themes from this chapter:
**Solomon's Request for Wisdom**
The chapter begins with King David's death, and his son Solomon becoming king of Israel (1 Kings 3:1-3). After Solomon's coronation, he offers sacrifices at the high places and sets up an altar to the Lord on Mount Zion in Jerusalem (1 Kings 3:4-5).
One night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and asks him what he wants. Solomon could have asked for wealth, power, or long life, but instead, he requests wisdom to rule Israel wisely and justly (1 Kings 3:6-9). This request is remarkable because it shows that Solomon was seeking not only personal gain but also the well-being of his people.
**God's Response**
God is pleased with Solomon's request and offers him a choice between wealth and wisdom. Solomon chooses wisdom, knowing that it would enable him to govern Israel effectively (1 Kings 3:10-14). God promises to give Solomon both wisdom and wealth, as long as he remains faithful to Him.
**The Case of the Two Prostitutes**
The chapter also contains the famous story of the two prostitutes who came to Solomon seeking justice. One woman had a child in her care, but the other woman claimed it was hers. Both women were from the same town, and there was no witness to confirm which one was telling the truth (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon, with his newfound wisdom, asks for a sword to be brought and cuts the baby in two, offering half to each woman. This decision shocks both women into revealing that the true mother of the child is willing to give up her claim, while the other is not. Solomon then gives the child to the first woman, demonstrating his commitment to justice and fairness.
**Conclusion**
The chapter concludes with Solomon's wisdom being recognized throughout Israel and beyond (1 Kings 3:28-30). This event sets the stage for Solomon's reign as a wise and just king, which is detailed in the following chapters of 1 Kings. The story of the two prostitutes also highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and making informed decisions, even in difficult situations.
Overall, 1 Kings 3:1-28 is a powerful chapter that showcases Solomon's commitment to God and his desire for wisdom to serve Israel wisely.
A great choice!
2 Chronicles 1 is a chapter in the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, which records the history of Judah and Jerusalem from the time of Solomon to the Babylonian captivity.
Here's a brief summary of 2 Chronicles 1:
**Solomon's Wise Ruling (2 Chronicles 1:1-17)**
After King David's death, his son Solomon becomes king of Israel. God appears to him in a dream and asks what he wants as a gift. Solomon asks for wisdom and understanding to rule the people wisely.
God is pleased with Solomon's request and grants it, along with riches and long life. Solomon then gathers all the people of Israel and forms a wise government, with judges and administrators to help him govern the kingdom.
**Solomon's Temple Building (2 Chronicles 1:18-22)**
As part of his wisdom and understanding, Solomon decides to build a temple in Jerusalem, dedicated to God. He assembles a team of skilled craftsmen and begins construction. The chapter ends with Solomon having completed the temple and offering sacrifices to God.
Some notable verses in this chapter include:
* 2 Chronicles 1:2-3: These verses highlight Solomon's humility and willingness to seek wisdom from God.
* 2 Chronicles 1:11: This verse emphasizes God's blessing on Solomon, granting him wisdom, riches, and long life.
* 2 Chronicles 1:18: This verse shows Solomon's commitment to building a temple dedicated to God.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 1 sets the stage for Solomon's wise ruling of Israel, his construction of the temple, and his relationship with God.
Solomon's wisdom is indeed a remarkable aspect of his life and legacy. According to the Bible, King Solomon was given wisdom by God during his reign as king of Israel (1 Kings 3:12-14). This wisdom is often referred to as "wisdom of Solomon" or "Solomonic wisdom."
In 1 Kings 3:5-15, it is written that God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he would like as a gift. Solomon's response was, "Give your servant an understanding heart... so I may govern your people and discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9-12). God was pleased with this request and granted Solomon wisdom, making him wiser than all the men of his time.
The Bible describes Solomon's wisdom as follows:
* He was given "wisdom and understanding that surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the East" (1 Kings 4:30).
* His wisdom was greater than that of any other king before or after him (1 Kings 3:12).
* He had a reputation for being wise, and people came from all over to hear his wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-34).
* God's wisdom was upon him, and he became very rich and powerful (1 Chronicles 22:9).
Some of the most famous examples of Solomon's wisdom can be found in:
* The Book of Proverbs, which contains many wise sayings and teachings attributed to Solomon.
* The Song of Solomon, a poetic book that explores the themes of love, relationships, and intimacy.
* The story of the two prostitutes who came to Solomon seeking justice (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Solomon's wisdom is often characterized as being:
* Discerning: He was able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong.
* Wise: He made decisions that were guided by his understanding of God's will.
* Insightful: He had a deep understanding of human nature and the consequences of one's actions.
* Creative: He was known for his skill in writing poetry and songs.
Solomon's wisdom has inspired people throughout history, and it continues to be studied and admired today. Many have sought to emulate his wisdom, but few have been able to match its depth and breadth.
Wisdom of Solomon 2 is a fascinating passage in the Apocrypha, which is a collection of books that are considered to be part of the biblical canon by some Christian denominations, but not by others.
In Wisdom of Solomon 2:1-11 (KJV), we find a powerful lamentation and rebuke of those who reject God's wisdom. The passage says:
"Yet have I not called thee, O ye blind?
Have I not made the pit the deep? Have I not couched the earth in silence?"
"But now they think that their possessions are better than any other nation;
yea, their covetousness is folly.
Blessed is the man that hath endured well; but he that in riches reareth himself,
when He shall depart leave them."
This passage seems to be addressing a particular group of people who were rejecting God's wisdom and instead seeking to accumulate wealth and material possessions. The author is lamenting their blindness, pointing out that they are ignoring God's call and choosing instead to focus on their own desires.
The passage also highlights the fleeting nature of worldly riches, saying "their covetousness is folly." It suggests that even if one does manage to accumulate great wealth, it will ultimately be taken away, leaving them with nothing.
Throughout this passage, we see a strong emphasis on the importance of seeking wisdom and obeying God's ways. The author is urging the reader to seek God's wisdom above all else, rather than chasing after fleeting riches or material possessions.
What would you like to know more about regarding Wisdom of Solomon 2:1-11?