5. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
6. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in.
8. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that can not be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10. And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment:
12. Behold, I have done according to thy word; lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
13. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor; so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
14. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
15. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace-offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
Golden Text: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Ps. 111:10.
Note.—The scene of the lesson is Gibeon, a commanding elevation about six miles north of Jerusalem. Here stood the tabernacle constructed by Moses, and the brazen altar of burnt offerings made by Bezaleel nearly five hundred years before, under the shadow of Sinai. 2 Chron. 1:3, 5. The ark of the covenant, however, was in a tent at Jerusalem, where it had been placed by David. Gibeon was a “high place,” and worship in high places was discouraged by the Lord because of their selection by the heathen nations for their idolatrous worship and practices.
Suggestive Questions.
(1) Who appeared to Solomon at Gibeon, and how? Verse 5. (2) What did God say? Same verse. (3) Of whom did Solomon first speak, and what did he say the Lord had done for him? Verse 6. Note 1. (4) How did he refer to himself? Verse 7. Note 2. (5) In what terms did he mention the people? Verse 8. Note 3. (6) What was his request? Verse 9. (7) How did the Lord regard his speech? Verse 10. (8) For what might Solomon have asked? Verse 11. Note 4. (9) How fully did the Lord grant him his desire? Verses 11, 12. (10) What did the Lord give him that he had not asked? Verse 13. Note 4. (11) What condition was announced as a basis for still further blessing? Verse 14. Note 5. (12) Was this a reality? Verse 15. Note 6. (13) Where did Solomon then go? Same verse.
Notes.
1. This great kindness.—Solomon makes reference here to the establishing of the house of David on the throne. This great honor might have been Saul’s if he had proved himself worthy. But the Lord chose a more faithful servant, and Solomon’s heart is touched as he realizes God’s goodness. Notice that he does not exult over the rejected house, nor boast of the glory of the present regime, but in humility speaks of “this great kindness.” It is all of the Lord. So it is with each soul that truly finds the Lord. There will be a deep sense of God’s faithfulness, his mercy and abundant grace, and none of self.
2. A little child.—He placed himself in just the attitude, and the only attitude, in which the Lord could bless him as he desired to. It is such that the Lord can use, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Children are all learners; grown people are apt not to be,—in their own minds. But Christ is the great Teacher. He does not learn by associating with us, nor does he need to learn at all; so in order to receive the wonderful knowledge and the gracious blessings hid in him we must come to him as little children, not alone willing to be led and taught, but knowing nothing else than to be led and taught of him,—foolishness no doubt to the world, but the wisdom of God, hence the highest knowledge attainable by man.
3. Can not be numbered.—While this was a common way of speaking of the size of a nation, Solomon doubtless referred also to the promised seed of Abraham, the Israel of God, who should be as the “dust of the earth” for multitude. Gen. 13:16. He was working out a part in God’s great plan.
4. Understanding.—Solomon’s choice was a test of character, and in one way or another the same test comes to every individual. Long life we would choose first if we could, and then with it wealth as the sure means to admit us to pleasure and enjoyment. This is the natural choice. Yet even here wisdom is better, for by it—by even worldly wisdom—the wealth and honor may be reached. But Solomon chose the fear of the Lord, and this was demonstrated to be the basis of all success, not only in spiritual matters, but in physical and temporal as well; for it brings what worldly wisdom can not, and that is peace of mind. And there goes with it too the protection of the Almighty. This is what the foolish rich man, of Luke 12:20, lacked. But do not think because you ask for wisdom that God will consequently give you riches. He does not promise that. The after-gift was wholly God’s thought. He chose to give Solomon wealth, but he may choose for you something a great deal better. Leave that to him, but ask for the wisdom, for we have the promise of that. James 1:5.
5. I will lengthen thy days.—This was upon condition of obedience. Solomon afterward departed from the Lord, and died when about sixty years of age, not having reached even man’s allotted time. He returned to the Lord, however, before his death.
6. A dream.—It was a dream, but none the less truly had the Lord talked with him, and he with the Lord. The Lord often appeared, or manifested himself in this way, as to Joseph, Daniel, Paul, etc. That it was a reality to him, is shown by the fact that Solomon left the high place that the Lord had condemned, and returned to Jerusalem, where he offered burnt offerings, and evidently made a new feast, before the ark of the covenant, which contained the tables of God’s commandments. Thus it is shown that the beginnings of wisdom, the very first indications of a true fear of the Lord, will lead to a respect for his righteous law, and a conforming of the life to its requirements, wherein the life is not in harmony with it. Lesson student, do you love God? do you fear him? is your life in harmony with his law in every particular? If not, be wise and return to it. It is by our lives—the fruits—that we reveal whether we are willing to be led by the Master or not, whether we be truly wise or not.
