Solomon Asks for Wisdom

Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and took Pharaoh's daughter to the City of David until he finished building his house, the house of the Lord, and the wall around Jerusalem (1 Kings 3:1). During this period, the people sacrificed in high places because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord. Solomon loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of David his father, though he also sacrificed and burnt incense in high places (1 Kings 3:3). He went to Gibeon to sacrifice there because it was the great high place and offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.

At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and told him to ask for what he should give him (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon acknowledged the great mercy shown to David and noted that he was but a little child who did not know how to go out or come in. He described himself as being in the midst of a great people that could not be numbered. The text does not say how many people were present during the dream, but Solomon requested an understanding heart to judge the people and to discern between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9).

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing rather than long life, riches, or the life of his enemies. God stated he would give Solomon a wise and understanding heart so that there would be none like him before or after (1 Kings 3:12). God also granted him what he had not asked for, including both riches and honor. Solomon awoke and realized it was a dream (1 Kings 3:15). He then returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.