The Book Of 1 Kings (1:1-22:53)
The United Kingdom (1 Kings 1:1-11:43)
The Reign of Solomon (1 Kings 2:12-11:43)
Passing Of The Kingdom From David to Solomon (1Ki 1:1-4:34)
The United Kingdom (1 Kings 3:1-11:43)
Solomon As King (3:1-8:66)
REQUEST FOR WISDOM (Tenth Sunday after Pentecost [year B])
1 Kings 3:1-28
Reading:
Songs:
Theme: learning to be submissive to God’s authority and dominion over our own lives
Discussion
INTRODUCTION
A. There is a tendency for many to turn to God when seems to starts to sour, but when it is on the rise their spiritual life becomes irrelevant. Many talk about how much can be learned in difficult times about God and ourselves, yet pay little spiritual attention when all is going well.
B. Solomon’s life was on the rise when he succeeded his father David, as king over Israel. In First Kings we read of it but we also read the gripping story of how to lose a kingdom. In chapter three, not long after Solomon came to the throne, the seeds of defeat for the kingdom, began to appear.
C. Solomon can be viewed as both one of the most wisest and the most foolish men in the Bible. Like so many Christians, he had a glorious beginning. Yet, only about forty years future, when he was still less than sixty years, similar to his dad, Solomon was dissipated in body and troubled over the kingdom. There are lessons we can all learn regarding the kingdom of God and our activities in life and attitudes toward it. The lesson chapter three of First Kings teaches us, has to do with what we seek out of life.
D. Let’s consider Solomon’s:
I. WISDOM IN SEEKING (3:1-15).
Solomon Marriage To Pharaoh's daughter
A. ... Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh ... and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David ... (3:1).
1 ¶ And Solomon <08010> made affinity <02859> (8691) with Pharaoh <06547> king <04428> of Egypt <04714>, and took <03947> (8799) Pharaoh’s <06547> daughter <01323>, and brought <0935> (8686) her into the city <05892> of David <01732>, until he had made an end <03615> (8763) of building <01129> (8800) his own house <01004>, and the house <01004> of the LORD <03068>, and the wall <02346> of Jerusalem <03389> round about <05439>.
1. It is of particular significance that it was Solomon who took the Pharaoh’s daughter and not the Pharaoh who took Solomon’s daughter.
a. The significance was that when a wedding alliance took place, it was normally the vassal who gave the daughter and the sovereign who took the daughter.
b. Israel has become a great kingdom, just as God had originally promised Abraham.
c. Israel had risen to the point where her king was considered to be an equal to or greater then the once mightier, such as Egypt.
2. Solomon, like David, was a man who loved God with all his heart (v 1).
a. Outwardly Solomon’s rule was admirable and his heart seemed set in God’s direction.
b. Nevertheless, like David, not unlike any of us, a part of Solomon’s life was not wholly committed to God.
3. There were two things Solomon did (which may seem trivial, but which contributed later to that ultimately overthrow the kingdom):
4. First, he made an alliance with Pharaoh through marriage and thereby brought the influence of Egypt into the central life of the nation of Israel.
a. Even Christians do the same in their own lives by making alliances through worldliness, with those who whether directly or indirectly, the devil will use to try to over throw us.
b. Solomon knew what was God’s will yet, not only did he seek to bring worldliness to himself by taking a wife of those who didn’t follow God’s will but she was only one of many.
(1) He had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
(2) These wives turned his heart away from God (1Ki 11:1–9; (Deu 17:14-17; Neh 13:26).
5. In the next passage we read what was the second thing Solomon did which would later contribute to problems in his spiritual life and that of the kingdom.
Solomon’s Sacrifice At Gibeon
B. ... only he sacrificed ... in high places and the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place ... (3:2-4; 2Ch 1:3)
2 Only the people <05971> sacrificed <02076> (8764) in high places <01116>, because there was no house <01004> built <01129> (8738) unto the name <08034> of the LORD <03068>, until those days <03117>.
3 And Solomon <08010> loved <0157> (8799) the LORD <03068>, walking <03212> (8800) in the statutes <02708> of David <01732> his father <01>: only he sacrificed <02076> (8764) and burnt incense <06999> (8688) in high places <01116>.
4 And the king <04428> went <03212> (8799) to Gibeon <01391> to sacrifice <02076> (8800) there; for that <01931> was the great <01419> high place <01116>: a thousand <0505> burnt offerings <05930> did Solomon <08010> offer <05927> (8686) upon that altar <04196>.
1. The second thing Solomon did was to worship at the high places (vs 2-4).
a. Though the tabernacle that was erected for the Ark of the Covenant when it had resided in Gibeon, was still there (1Ch 16:39; 21:29), David had moved the Ark to Jerusalem where apparently David had erected a second, but temporary tabernacle (2Sa 6:17). It was in the temporary tabernacle that David sacrificed.
b. Solomon went instead to Gibeon to sacrifice.
c. In addition, as was the common practice in Israel of the people of Israel, Solomon also sacrificed in the high places, the places of false worship.
d. Solomon was fully aware of God's warning regarding false worship (Exo 34:14-16; Num 33:50-52).
e. Even after having built the permanent temple, Solomon erected heathen altars.
(1) Under Solomon, the idolatry which his father David had been so zealous to suppress was established alongside the temple of God.
(2) Many Christians trample afoot the Lord with his sacrifice by trying to drag denominationalism in along side acceptable worship, but God will not accept it.
(3) God does not leave us free to worship the him in any way in which we please but has ordained in his word the manner and way in which he should be worshiped.
f. The false worship Solomon gave himself to, was a weakness in Solomon’s fellowship.
(1) It is also a weakness for many Christians, who though wanting to worship God, knowingly or ignorantly, worship him as the denominations, in error, in an unacceptable way.
(2) Many outwardly offer to God what seems to be a heart that has yielded to his will with commitment but privately lack a hunger to follow God whole heartedly.
g. Many will claim what we do in relation to God and worship of him, does not really matter as much as what we desire.
h. However, over and over God makes it clear that what we do in worship of him does matter and that, as with Solomon, the seeds of rebellion can lead to our loss of the kingdom.
2. How did the wisest man, the builder of God’s temple, ever get himself into such a situation as one who acted so foolishly before the Lord?
a. It occurred by seeking the politically correct way in life or whatever was politically expedient.
b. It is unwise to bind ourselves with those who have the potential to lead us from God.
c. Though there are exceptions, Christian who date and marry non-Christians, might find themselves caught in the tragedy of a divided marriage.
(1) Living a faithful Christian life can be hard enough when one has the support of a mate who shares that goal of obedience to God’s word.
(2) To add to the difficulty a divided marriage, is to invite the devil into our lives.
3. Not unlike you and me, Solomon has a lot to learn.
a. What could he do?
b. Where could he turn?
C. ... Ask what I shall give thee ... (3:5).
5 ¶ In Gibeon <01391> the LORD <03068> appeared <07200> (8738) to Solomon <08010> in a dream <02472> by night <03915>: and God <0430> said <0559> (8799), Ask <07592> (8798) what I shall give <05414> (8799) thee.
1. Perhaps this was God’s way of catching Solomon’s attention about the direction of his life.
2. What about you? Will you choose to go your own way or will you seek only God’s way.
a. Joshua (Jos 24:15).
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
b. Peter and John (Act 4:19-20)
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
c. Paul (Gal 2:20).
d. Where can we go but to the Lord’s words if we want to know how to acceptably worship God (Joh 6:66-68)?
e. Young people, your goals and aims in your youth will largely determine what you will become in life.
(1) Be serious about life and set your hopes, goals and direction in life on what is truly of most importance in life.
(2) A Christian character of obedience, honesty and integrity, are what are of important in life.
3. If God gave you the opportunity to change your life, as he did, Solomon, would you take the opportunity.
4. In the Bible we’re informed of that opportunity. Have you availed yourself of it yet? If you have, are you remaining faithful in your life to it?
5. If you haven’t done it yet, or if you have but your haven’t been faithful to it, will you repent today and get right with the Lord while the opportunity for you still exists.
Transition: To Solomon's credit, at least initially, he chose to seek God’s way.
Solomon’s Response
D. And Solomon said ... (3:6-9).
6 And Solomon <08010> said <0559> (8799), Thou hast shewed <06213> (8804) unto thy servant <05650> David <01732> my father <01> great <01419> mercy <02617>, according as he walked <01980> (8804) before <06440> thee in truth <0571>, and in righteousness <06666>, and in uprightness <03483> of heart <03824> with thee; and thou hast kept <08104> (8799) for him this great <01419> kindness <02617>, that thou hast given <05414> (8799) him a son <01121> to sit <03427> (8802) on his throne <03678>, as it is this day <03117>. {mercy: or, bounty}
7 And now, O LORD <03068> my God <0430>, thou hast made thy servant <05650> king <04427> (8689) instead of David <01732> my father <01>: and I am but a little <06996> child <05288>: I know <03045> (8799) not how to go out <03318> (8800) or come in <0935> (8800).
8 And thy servant <05650> is in the midst <08432> of thy people <05971> which thou hast chosen <0977> (8804), a great <07227> people <05971>, that cannot be numbered <04487> (8735) nor counted <05608> (8735) for multitude <07230>.
9 Give <05414> (8804) therefore thy servant <05650> an understanding <08085> (8802) heart <03820> to judge <08199> (8800) thy people <05971>, that I may discern <0995> (8687) between good <02896> and bad <07451>: for who is able <03201> (8799) to judge <08199> (8800) this thy so great <03515> a people <05971>? {understanding: Heb. hearing}
1. It is important we note as Solomon pointed out, that God showed David “great mercy, according as he walked ... in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart ...” (v 6).
a. If any one will repent of their sins, stop doing them, and turn to God in obedience to his word, he will forgive them.
b. However, if people cease as the direction of their lives, to follow God’s way, he will cease to forgive them.
2. Solomon, though a great king over a great people, saw himself only as a child, in need of guidance (v 7).
a. Solomon willingly stopped and ask for directions.
b. He wanted to know the difference between what is good and what is bad.
c. As we see with Solomon, it is not how hypocritically we have been living our lives that is important to understand but in realizing it, what we will do about it.
d. It is always when we decide to take matters into our own hands rather then appealing to God’s word for a proper direction, that we begin to falter in the direction we go (Jer 10:23).
3. Solomon asked for two things (vs 8-9).
a. Think to yourself for a moment, and answer to yourself, “If you had Aladians lamp or Cinderella’s fairy godmother, if you could have anything, what would it be that you would want?” Would it be riches? Would be romance? What would it be?
b. Since the beginning of creation, people have always had problems distinguishing between what they want and what they really actually need.
c. Solomon needed help and of all of the things he could have had, he asked God for what was needed.
d. The two things Solomon asked for were:
(1) “understanding heart”
(2) “that I may discern”
(3) He wanted them so that he would be enabled to:
(a) correctly lead the people of God.
(b) discern between good and evil.
God’s Response
E. And the speech pleased the Lord ... (3:10-15).
10 And the speech <01697> pleased <03190> (8799) <05869> the Lord <0136>, that Solomon <08010> had asked <07592> (8804) this thing <01697>.
11 And God <0430> said <0559> (8799) unto him, Because thou hast asked <07592> (8804) this thing <01697>, and hast not asked <07592> (8804) for thyself long <07227> life <03117>; neither hast asked <07592> (8804) riches <06239> for thyself, nor hast asked <07592> (8804) the life <05315> of thine enemies <0341> (8802); but hast asked <07592> (8804) for thyself understanding <0995> (8687) to discern <08085> (8800) judgment <04941>; {long life: Heb. many days} {discern: Heb. hear}
12 Behold, I have done <06213> (8804) according to thy words <01697>: lo, I have given <05414> (8804) thee a wise <02450> and an understanding <0995> (8737) heart <03820>; so that there was none like thee before <06440> thee, neither after <0310> thee shall any arise <06965> (8799) like unto thee.
13 And I have also given <05414> (8804) thee that which thou hast not asked <07592> (8804), both riches <06239>, and honour <03519>: so that there shall not be any <0376> among the kings <04428> like unto thee all thy days <03117>. {shall…: or, hath not been}
14 And if thou wilt walk <03212> (8799) in my ways <01870>, to keep <08104> (8800) my statutes <02706> and my commandments <04687>, as thy father <01> David <01732> did walk <01980> (8804), then I will lengthen <0748> (8689) thy days <03117>.
15 And Solomon <08010> awoke <03364> (8799); and, behold, it was a dream <02472>. And he came <0935> (8799) to Jerusalem <03389>, and stood <05975> (8799) before <06440> the ark <0727> of the covenant <01285> of the LORD <03068>, and offered up <05927> (8686) burnt offerings <05930>, and offered <06213> (8799) peace offerings <08002>, and made <06213> (8799) a feast <04960> to all his servants <05650>.
1. Because Solomon chose the blessing of wisdom, because he set his mind on God first, he received many other blessings (vs 10-14; Mat 6:33).
2. What any one of us would have asked for would certain indicate what is the direction of our lives.
Transition:
II. WISDOM IN LEADING (3:16-28).
A. ... Then came there two women, ... unto the king ... (3:16-23).
16 ¶ Then came <0935> (8799) there two <08147> women <0802>, that were harlots <02181> (8802), unto the king <04428>, and stood <05975> (8799) before <06440> him.
17 And the one <0259> woman <0802> said <0559> (8799), O <0994> my lord <0113>, I and this woman <0802> dwell <03427> (8802) in one <0259> house <01004>; and I was delivered of a child <03205> (8799) with her in the house <01004>.
18 And it came to pass the third <07992> day <03117> after that I was delivered <03205> (8800), that this woman <0802> was delivered <03205> (8799) also: and we were together <03162>; there was no stranger <02114> (8801) with us in the house <01004>, save <02108> we two <08147> in the house <01004>.
19 And this woman’s <0802> child <01121> died <04191> (8799) in the night <03915>; because she overlaid <07901> (8804) it.
20 And she arose <06965> (8799) at midnight <08432> <03915>, and took <03947> (8799) my son <01121> from beside <0681> me, while thine handmaid <0519> slept <03463>, and laid <07901> (8686) it in her bosom <02436>, and laid <07901> (8689) her dead <04191> (8801) child <01121> in my bosom <02436>.
21 And when I rose <06965> (8799) in the morning <01242> to give my child <01121> suck <03243> (8687), behold, it was dead <04191> (8804): but when I had considered <0995> (8709) it in the morning <01242>, behold, it was not my son <01121>, which I did bear <03205> (8804).
22 And the other <0312> woman <0802> said <0559> (8799), Nay; but the living <02416> is my son <01121>, and the dead <04191> (8801) is thy son <01121>. And this said <0559> (8802), No; but the dead <04191> (