1 Reis 3

1 Reis 3

MacArthur: Based on the census, which recorded 800,000 men of fighting age in Israel and 500,000 in Judah (2Sa 24:9), the total population was over 4 million, approximately double what it had been at the time of the Conquest (see Nu 26:1-65). (See 1 Kings 1 to 11, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes: The Rise and ... - Page 7) 1 Kings 3:9 "So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" KJV 1 Kings 3:9 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? BGT 1 Kings 3:9 καὶ δώσεις τῷ δούλῳ σου καρδίαν ἀκούειν καὶ διακρίνειν τὸν λαόν σου ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ συνίειν ἀνὰ μέσον ἀγαθοῦ καὶ κακοῦ ὅτι τίς δυνήσεται κρίνειν τὸν λαόν σου τὸν βαρὺν τοῦτον LXE 1 Kings 3:9 Thou shalt give therefore to thy servant a heart to hear and to judge thy people justly, and to discern between good and evil: for who will be able to judge this thy great people? NET 1 Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours." CSB 1 Kings 3:9 So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" ESV 1 Kings 3:9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" NIV 1 Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" NLT 1 Kings 3:9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" NRS 1 Kings 3:9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?" NJB 1 Kings 3:9 So give your servant a heart to understand how to govern your people, how to discern between good and evil, for how could one otherwise govern such a great people as yours?' NAB 1 Kings 3:9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?" YLT 1 Kings 3:9 and Thou hast given to Thy servant an understanding heart, to judge Thy people, to discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this Thy great people?' Give: 1Ch 22:12 29:19 2Ch 1:10 Ps 119:34,73,144 Pr 2:3-9 3:13-18 Pr 16:16 Jas 1:5 3:17 understanding: Pr 20:12 to judge: 1Ki 3:28 Ps 72:1,2 Pr 14:8 Ec 7:11,19 9:15-18 Joh 5:30 discern: 2Sa 14:17 Isa 11:2-4 1Co 2:14,15 Eph 5:17 Php 1:10 *Gr: Heb 5:14 who is able: Ex 3:11,12 4:10-13 Jer 1:6 Mt 3:11,14 2Co 2:16 3:5 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 1:10+ “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?” 11 God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.” Colossians 1:9-12+ For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Ephesians 1:17-19+ (PRAY) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might Philippians 1:9-11+ And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Proverbs 1:1-5+ The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, 5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, Proverbs 4:3-9 When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, 4 Then he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live; 5 Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. 7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. 8 “Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. 9 “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.” SOLOMON SEEKS HEART TO DISCERN GOOD FROM EVIL So give Your servant ('ebed; Lxx = doulos) an understanding (shama- a listening, hearing) heart (leb) to judge (shaphat; Lxx - diakrino) Your people to discern (bin/biyn; Lxx = suniemi) between good and evil - In the parallel passage " Understanding heart is more literally a "hearing heart" tuned to the voice of God (the "FM" band so to speak) so he could lead Israel as God would want the nation to be led. A hearing heart is a heart willing to listen and willing to learn. It's a teachable heart. And ultimately it is an obedient heart. The phrase suggested not only the willingness to listen to all sides of an issue, but also the desire for the ability to reason. THOUGHT - Is Solomon's request not a great prayer for all of us to frequently prayer? I frequently pray Colossians 1:9-12+ for myself, my family, my disciples and my missionaries. Two other great prayers we can pray are Ephesians 1:17-19+ (for "spirit of wisdom") and Php 1:9-11+. And since this prayer is in God's will, He will answer it (1Jn 5:14-15+). Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge correctly. Have you ever prayed Scriptures like these for others? Most prayer requests I hear are for physical things, but in Scripture most by far are for spiritual things like wisdom, etc. If you begin to pray these prayers just mentioned, I can guarantee you two things - you will please your Father and you will receive answers to these requests. God is far more interested in our holiness than He is in our happiness and health. “Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. -- Proverbs 8:34 Rod Mattoon says "An understanding heart means "a hearing heart or teachable heart." We need an understanding heart to hear God's voice and obey it when He speaks to us through His Spirit. Hearing is so important to the Lord that the ear is the first sense organ to function in the womb and the last one to stop functioning in death. We need a heart that has patience to hear a case and understand it fully. Hearing is the door to discernment, blessing, and wisdom."....Unfortunately, Solomon did not pray for spiritual discernment. If he had, many of his blunders could have been avoided in his home. May we learn from his mistakes and ask God for spiritual discernment, wisdom, and an understanding heart (Solomon prayed for "discernment to understand justice.")....Understanding takes the truth of God's Word and puts it into practical applications for our lives in the areas of marriage, work, child training, spiritual service, government, finances, etc. If you want understanding, you need a knowledge of the character and nature of God. Who is He? What is God like? What does He expect? One takes this knowledge and applies it to their life. God is holy; we should be too. God loves us; we should love others. God hates sin; we should hate our sin too. (Treasures from 1 Kings) Jay Adams points out that the discern (bin/biyn) “is related to the noun bayin, which means ‘interval’ or ‘space between,’ and the preposition ben, ‘between.’ In essence it means to separate things from one another at their points of difference in order to distinguish them.” Discernment, then, is a synonym for discrimination. So discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. The discerning person is the one who draws a clear contrast between truth and error. Discernment is black-and-white thinking—the conscious refusal to color every issue in shades of gray. No one can be truly discerning without developing skill in separating divine truth from error The ability to make righteous judgments in complex situations is a gift from God. -- Paul Apple For (term of explanation) who is able to judge (shaphat) this great people of Yours - This rhetorical question would imply that the only one truly able to judge would be God, which is why Solomon was asking for God's discernment. Paul House - Justice can become a quite complicated goal, as 1Ki 3:16–28 proves. Only knowledge of what God considers fair and unfair can guide the king to act justly with any consistency. Though Solomon has already exhibited political craftiness, he knows that long-term wisdom and success reside where David found it—in an ongoing relationship with the Lord. (Borrow 1,2 Kings) R. D. Patterson: The responsibilities facing Solomon were all the greater in that Israel was God’s chosen nation. She had to be governed in accordance with God’s precepts if the people were to experience his blessing. A wisdom that God alone could give was needed here. THOUGHT - And how better to hone this skill than to "eat" and mediate on the Proverbs! (cf uses of bin/biyn in Ps 119:27, 95. Are you periodically reading the Proverbs? If 'Yes,' then the next question is are you "speed reading" them? Or are you pausing to ponder them, chewing and tasting the savory morsels of truth with your "spiritual palate" that they might be totally "digested" into your inner being, the Spirit using the truths gleaned to renew your mind (cp Eph 4:23+, 2Cor 3:18+, Ro 12:2+)? Instead of the "proverbial" recommendation of "Read one chapter of Proverbs every day of the month, so that at the end of the month you will have read the entire book," you might consider reading one single proverb a day, writing it down and then pondering it throughout the day! While reading a chapter a day is commendable, I fear many "thru the Bible reading programs" are much like swallowing a choice cut of filet mignon without chewing or savoring each bite!). Understanding (listening, hearing and then obeying)(08085) shama means to hear (Adam and Eve hearing God = Ge 3:8, 10, Ge 18:10 = "overheard"), to listen (Ge 3:17, Ge 16:2 [= this was a big mistake and was the origin of Jews and Arabs!] Ex 6:9,16:20, 18:19, Webster's 1828 on "listen" = to hearken; to give ear; to attend closely with a view to hear. To obey; to yield to advice; to follow admonition) and since hearing/listening are often closely linked to obedience, shama is translated obey (1 Sa 15:22, Ge 22:18, 26:5, 39:10, Ex 19:5, disobedience = Lev 26:14, 18, 21, 27) or to understand. KJV translates shama "hearken" (196x) a word which means to give respectful attention. Of God's hearing in general or hearing our prayers (Hab 1:2, Ps 66:18, click here for more in the Psalms, cf God's hearing in Zeph 2:8, Ge 16:11, 17:20, 30:17, 22, Ge 21:17, 29:33, 30:6, 17, 22; Ex 2:24, Ex 16:8, 9, 12, Nu 11:1, 12:2). Shama means “to hear intelligently and attentively and respond appropriately." In other words to hear does not convey the idea of "in one ear and out the other!" The greatest significance of the use of shama is that of relation of man to God, especially where the context speaks of obedience. Obedience is the supreme test of faith and reverence for God. The Old Testament conception of obedience was vital. It was the one important relationship which must not be broken. While sometimes this relation may have been formal and cold, it nevertheless was the one strong tie which held the people close to God. The significant spiritual relation is expressed by Samuel when he asks the question, “Hath Yahweh as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying (shama) the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey (shama) is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sa 15:22). It was the condition without which no right relation might be sustained to Yahweh. This is most clearly stated in the relation between Abraham and Yahweh when he is assured “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed (shama) my voice” (Ge 22:18). In prophetic utterances, future blessing and prosperity were conditioned upon obedience: “If ye be willing and obedient (shama), ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isa 1:19). After surveying the glories of the Messianic kingdom, the prophet assures the people that “this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey (shama) the voice of Yahweh your God” (Zec 6:15). On the other hand misfortune, calamity, distress and famine are due to their disobedience and distrust of Yahweh. The most famous use is the so-called "Shema" in Dt 6:4 "Hear (a command, in Greek Lxx = present imperative - habitually, continually) O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!" 5 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. SHAMA IN KINGS - 1 Ki. 1:11; 1 Ki. 1:41; 1 Ki. 1:45; 1 Ki. 2:42; 1 Ki. 3:9; 1 Ki. 3:11; 1 Ki. 3:28; 1 Ki. 4:34; 1 Ki. 5:1; 1 Ki. 5:7; 1 Ki. 5:8; 1 Ki. 6:7; 1 Ki. 8:28; 1 Ki. 8:29; 1 Ki. 8:30; 1 Ki. 8:32; 1 Ki. 8:34; 1 Ki. 8:36; 1 Ki. 8:39; 1 Ki. 8:42; 1 Ki. 8:43; 1 Ki. 8:45; 1 Ki. 8:49; 1 Ki. 8:52; 1 Ki. 9:3; 1 Ki. 10:1; 1 Ki. 10:6; 1 Ki. 10:7; 1 Ki. 10:8; 1 Ki. 10:24; 1 Ki. 11:21; 1 Ki. 11:38; 1 Ki. 12:2; 1 Ki. 12:15; 1 Ki. 12:16; 1 Ki. 12:20; 1 Ki. 12:24; 1 Ki. 13:4; 1 Ki. 13:26; 1 Ki. 14:6; 1 Ki. 15:20; 1 Ki. 15:21; 1 Ki. 15:22; 1 Ki. 16:16; 1 Ki. 17:22; 1 Ki. 19:13; 1 Ki. 20:8; 1 Ki. 20:12; 1 Ki. 20:25; 1 Ki. 20:31; 1 Ki. 20:36; 1 Ki. 21:15; 1 Ki. 21:16; 1 Ki. 21:27; 1 Ki. 22:19; 1 Ki. 22:28; 2 Ki. 3:21; 2 Ki. 5:8; 2 Ki. 6:30; 2 Ki. 7:1; 2 Ki. 7:6; 2 Ki. 9:30; 2 Ki. 10:6; 2 Ki. 11:13; 2 Ki. 13:4; 2 Ki. 14:11; 2 Ki. 16:9; 2 Ki. 17:14; 2 Ki. 17:40; 2 Ki. 18:12; 2 Ki. 18:26; 2 Ki. 18:28; 2 Ki. 18:31; 2 Ki. 18:32; 2 Ki. 19:1; 2 Ki. 19:4; 2 Ki. 19:6; 2 Ki. 19:7; 2 Ki. 19:8; 2 Ki. 19:9; 2 Ki. 19:11; 2 Ki. 19:16; 2 Ki. 19:20; 2 Ki. 19:25; 2 Ki. 20:5; 2 Ki. 20:12; 2 Ki. 20:13; 2 Ki. 20:16; 2 Ki. 21:9; 2 Ki. 21:12; 2 Ki. 22:11; 2 Ki. 22:13; 2 Ki. 22:18; 2 Ki. 22:19; 2 Ki. 25:23 Discern (consider) (0995) bin/biyn means to understand or perceive. Bin/biyn conveys the same idea as our word discrimination. It entails the idea of making a distinction as in 1Ki 3:9 where Solomon ask God for the ability "to discern (bin/biyn) between good and evil". Many of the OT uses of bin/biyn are translated "understanding," an understanding which is the result of comparative "study" or "mental separation". TWOT - The verb bin/biyn refers to knowledge which is superior to the mere gathering of data....yāda generally describes the process whereby one gains knowledge through experience with objects and circumstances. bîn is a power of judgment and perceptive insight and is demonstrated in the use of knowledge. God has absolutely perfect discernment and understanding - see 1Ch 28:9, Job 28:23, Ps 139:2. Roy Zuck - The word בין (bin/biyn) means basically “to distinguish, to separate.” From this is derived the common meaning, “to discern, to see distinctions, to perceive.” In the causative Hiphil form, בין means “to cause to discern, to cause to perceive.” According to this verb, teaching is not simply imparting facts (though it certainly includes that), but it is helping others acquire the ability or skill to discern. Gabriel, for example, caused Daniel to understand (בין) the vision of the ram and the male goat (Da 8:16). When Ezra opened God’s Word before the people, the Levites caused the people to understand or perceive it (Neh 8:7-9). Joiarib and Elnathan, “men of discernment” (מבינים, Ezra 8:16), were teachers. The Levites were teachers—men who helped others discern the things of God (2Chr 35:3). And some of them, including Chenaniah, were music teachers; they helped others understand and discern music (1Chr. 15:22). Real perception into spiritual matters comes only from God (“the Almighty giveth them understanding,” Job 32:8), and such insight comes, only in accordance with His Word (Ps 119:109). Believers need spiritual insight and perception from the Lord so that they may keep His law (Ps. 119:34), learn His commandments (Ps 119:73), know His testimonies (Ps 119:125), and live (Ps. 119:144). Teaching, then, is helping others grow in spiritual perception so that as a result, they may live for God. It is striking that in some verses the verb בין is followed by two accusatives—one the person, and the other the subject matter (see Ps. 119:27; Isa 28:9; Da 10:14). In other words, according to these verses both pupils and content are to be “taught.” God helps others have perception and discernment, but it is with reference to divine content—His written revelation. (Bibliotheca Sacra. Hebrew Words for "Teach") Judge (08199) shaphat is a verb that means to judge or govern. While it frequently translated judge, this is somewhat misleading as shaphat is not typical of the modern concept of judge (as in a court of law), but is much more inclusive -- to function as ruler or governor - individuals (Jdg. 16:31; 1 Sa 7:16), king (1 Ki. 3:9); even God Himself (Ps. 50:6; 75:7) because He is the source of authority and will eventually conduct all judgments (Ps. 96:13). In a judicial sense shaphat could refer to the arbitration of civil, domestic, and religious disputes (Dt. 25:1), fulfilled by the congregation (Nu 35:24), by individual judges (Ex 18:16; Dt. 1:16), by the king (1 Sa 8:5, 6, 20) or by God Himself (Ge 16:5; 1 Sa 24:12, 15). W E Vine on shaphat - In many contexts this root has a judicial sense. Shāpaṭ refers to the activity of a third party who sits over two parties at odds with one another. This third party hears their cases against one another and decides where the right is and what to do about it (he functions as both judge and jury). So Sarai said to Abram: "My wrong [outrage done me] be upon thee [in your lap]: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee" (Gen. 16:5, the first occurrence of the word). Sarai had given Hagar to Abram in her stead. This act was in keeping with ancient Nuzu law, which Abram apparently knew and followed. The legal rights to the child would be Sarai's. This would mean that Hagar "did all the work" and received none of the privileges. Consequently she made things miserable for Sarai. As the tribal and family head Abram's responsibility was to keep things in order. This he did not do. Thus Sarai declares that she is innocent of wrongdoing; she has done nothing to earn Hagar's mistreatment, and Abram is at fault in not getting the household in order. Her appeal is: since Abram has not done his duty (normally he would be the judge of tribal matters), "the Lord decide" between us, that is, in a judicial sense, as to who is in the right. Abram granted the legitimacy of her case and handed Hagar over to her to be brought into line (Gen. 16:6). Shāpaṭ also speaks of the accomplishing of a sentence. Both this concept and those of hearing the case and rendering a decision are seen in Gen. 18:25, where Abraham speaks of "the Judge [literally, "One who judges"] of all the earth." In 1 Sam. 3:13 the emphasis is solely on "delivering" the sentence: "For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth…."In some cases "judging" really means delivering from injustice or oppression. David says to Saul: "The Lord therefore be judge and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand" (1 Sam. 24:15). This sense (in addition to the judicial sense), "to deliver," is to be understood when one speaks of the judges of Israel (Judg. 2:16): "Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that [plundered] them." Shāpaṭ can be used not only of an act of deliverance, but of a process whereby order and law are maintained within a group. This idea also is included in the concept of the judges of Israel: "And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time" (Judg. 4:4). This activity was judicial and constituted a kind of ruling over Israel. Certainly ruling is in mind in Num. 25:5: "And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, 'Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baal-Peor'" (1 Sam. 8:1). The military deliverer was the head over a volunteer army summoned when danger threatened (militia). In the time of Samuel this procedure proved inadequate for Israel. They wanted a leader who would organize and lead a standing army. They asked Samuel, therefore, for a king such as the other nations had, one who was apt and trained in warfare, and whose successor (son) would be carefully trained, too. There would be more continuity in leadership as a result. Included in this idea of a king who would "judge" them like the other nations was the idea of a ruler; in order to sustain a permanent army and its training, the people had to be organized for taxation and conscription. This is what is in view in 1 Sam. 8:6-18 as Samuel explains. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) It was 5 p.m. on April 12th, 1945, when Vice President Harry Truman ducked into Sam Rayburn's private office in the Capitol. A message was given to Truman that the White House had called. Dialing National 1414, he reached the Press Secretary, Steve Early, who instructed Truman to urgently and quietly come to the White House. Arriving at the White House, he was greeted by Eleanor Roosevelt who said to the Vice President, "Harry, the President is dead." Truman groped for words and asked her, "Is there anything I can do for you Mrs. Roosevelt?" Eleanor replied, "Is there anything we can do for you? You are the one in trouble now." That night, Truman took the oath of office as President of the United States with his hand resting on a Gideon Bible that they borrowed from the desk of the head usher of the White House. The following Monday, Truman addressed a joint session in Congress. His speech lasted only fifteen minutes, but he closed with these words from this chapter, "At this moment I have in my heart a prayer. As I have assumed my duties, I humbly pray to Almighty God in the words of King Solomon: '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?' I ask only to be a good and faithful servant of my Lord and my people." It wouldn't hurt any of our Presidents if they prayed this prayer and meant it. And as God's providence would have it, Harry Truman would play a crucial role in the birth of the Nation of Israel in May 14, 1948 (against the advice of some of his advisors!). See his signed note on May 14, 1948, making the United States the first country in the world to recognize the statehood of Israel! Harry Truman was providentially raised up for "Such a time as this," (Esther 4:14) and God answered his prayer and gave him a heart of wisdom in tune with the Father's heart for His Chosen People! The Wisdom of Solomon So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? [1 Kings 3:9] During the century between the time the tabernacle was destroyed and the temple erected, the people of Israel worshiped properly at various high places. David moved the ark to Jerusalem and established the rest of the tabernacle furniture at Gibeon, and after this the people were only to worship at these two places. There was a high priest in charge of each (1 Chron. 16:37–40). After the temple was built, the original Mosaic laws came back into effect (Deuteronomy 12), and high-place worship was forbidden (though the people sinfully continued to use these worship centers). At the beginning of his reign, Solomon went to Gibeon to worship the Lord and God appeared to him. God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted and God would give it to him. Solomon requested the wisdom he would need to apply the law of God fairly to the people. Yet there was another aspect to wisdom as well. Solomon was going to build the temple, and we are told that God used wisdom in making the world, and Bezalel used wisdom in making the tabernacle (Prov. 3:19; Exod. 28:3). As we shall see, the temple was a symbol of God’s people gathered around his throne. Building the temple was a symbol of building the nation. Thus, it was fitting that Solomon possessed wisdom both to build the temple and to build the nation it symbolized. Since Israel was to be a priestly nation, ministering God’s grace to all the people of the world, the wisdom of Solomon was also evangelistic. His proverbs and sayings were published abroad and drew admiration from all the surrounding nations (1 Kings 4:29–34). People came to visit Israel and hear Solomon, going home with the good news that God was making salvation available through his people. Other nations reformed their laws and customs, benefiting from the wisdom of God’s law as taught by Solomon (compare Deut. 4:6–8). Perhaps the most well known of Solomon’s admirers was the Queen of Sheba, who traveled a thousand miles to learn wise leadership and rule from King Solomon (1 Kings 10:1–13). Coram Deo James 1:5 says that we all have Solomon’s privilege of asking for wisdom. Wisdom is practical and enables you to do excellent work in all your tasks, whatever they are. Such wisdom will reform your life and gain praise and influence for God in the lives of other people. Stop now and ask God to pour out his wisdom upon you without measure, and then wisely make use of your wisdom. Missing: Wisdom - Ann Cetas Give your servant a discerning heart . . . to distinguish between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:9 TODAY'S SCRIPTURE 1 Kings 3:5–12 Today's Insights - King Solomon’s story is complex. In response to Solomon’s request for discernment, God blessed him with great wisdom (1 Kings 3:9–12). But the king had trouble applying that wisdom to all of life. Just prior to this passage we see how he was already ignoring God’s plan for Israel. In making “an alliance” with Egypt, he married Pharaoh’s daughter (v. 1), a pattern he would continue in later years (11:1–8). This turned Solomon’s heart to “other gods” (v. 4). The nation thrived under Solomon, but the kingdom would be divided because of his sins (vv. 9–13). Devotional - Two-year-old Kenneth went missing. Yet within three minutes of his mom’s 9-1-1 call, an emergency worker found him just two blocks from home at the county fair. His mom had promised he could go later that day with his grandpa. But he’d driven his toy tractor there, and parked it at his favorite ride. When the boy was safely home, his dad wisely removed the toy’s battery. Kenneth was actually rather smart to get where he wanted to go, but two-year-olds are missing another key quality: wisdom. And as adults we sometimes lack it too. Solomon, who’d been appointed king by his father David (1 Kings 2), admitted he felt like a child. God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (3:5). He replied, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. . . . So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (vv. 7–9). God gave Solomon “a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (4:29). Where can we get the wisdom we need? Solomon said the beginning of wisdom is a “fear” or awe of God (Proverbs 9:10). So we can start by asking Him to teach us about Himself and to give us wisdom beyond our own. In what areas do you need God’s wisdom? What might give you a teachable heart? I’m always in need of wisdom, God. I want to follow Your ways. Please show me which way to go. (ED: AND EMPOWER WITH YOUR SPIRIT TO WALK THE WAY YOU SHOW. AMEN) Wandering From Wisdom Give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. —1 Kings 3:9 Today's Scripture: 1 Kings 3:4-14 If God offered you anything you wanted, what would you ask for? When Solomon was given that choice, he asked for the wisdom to discern good from evil so that he might lead God’s people well (1 Kings 3:9). “Because you have asked this thing,” God told Solomon, “I have done according to your words.” He even promised to give him “both riches and honor” (vv.11-13). To this day, Solomon is remembered for the great wisdom God gave him. Solomon began his rule with devotion to wisdom and a deep ambition to build a magnificent temple to honor God. But something happened along the way. (ED: I THINK IT HAPPENED AT THE VERY OUTSET AS SHOWN IN 1 KINGS 3) His passion for living by God’s wisdom was displaced by the allures of the wealth and position God had given him. His marriage to foreign women who worshiped pagan gods eventually led him—and ultimately the nation—into idolatry. The lesson is clear. Keeping our love for Christ and His wisdom preeminent is a primary objective for those of us who want to live to satisfy God throughout the course of our life. A commitment to following the riches of God’s wisdom will enable us to avoid the drift that destroyed Solomon. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. —Robinson Monitor your heart daily to avoid wandering from God’s wisdom. Growing Wise Give to Your servant an understanding heart. —1 Kings 3:9 Today's Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-10 Solomon was a young man charged with the responsibility of governing one of the most prosperous kingdoms in the ancient Near East. Israel was a significant power then, her domain extending from the Euphrates River to the border of Egypt. Responsible for so much, Solomon knew he needed help. So when God asked the young king what He could do for him, Solomon did not ask to be healthy or wealthy. He asked to be wise (1 Kings 3:9). This request pleased the Lord. God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing, . . . I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart” (1Ki 3:11-12). The word translated “understanding” in Solomon’s request (1Ki 3:9) actually means “hearing.” God gave Solomon a hearing heart so he could judge the people, and “discern between good and evil.” Wise men and women hear God through His Book. They read other books, of course, but they judge them all by the Word of God. There is no greater wisdom. I scanned God's teachings thoughtlessly, In haste I did not hear Him; Then prayerfully I read once more, This time my heart drew near Him. —Gustafson God opens the door of His wisdom to those who open their Bibles. 1 Kings 3:10 It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. Related Passage: Proverbs 15:8+ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. SOLOMON'S REQUEST PLEASES ADONAI It was pleasing (yatab/yatav; Lxx = aresko in 1Th 4:1) in the sight of the Lord ('adonay) that Solomon had asked this thing - This is surely one of the high points of Solomon's life with such an unselfish request and one that was pleasing to Jehovah. And as Pr 15:8 (which Solomon wrote) says "the prayer of the upright is His delight," indicating such was Solomon's stature with the Lord at this time in his life. And this is given some missteps the writer of Kings has already recorded in the first part of chapter 3 as discussed above. THOUGHT - Would it be said of all of us that our requests are pleasing to the Lord. Amen Rod Mattoon - The Bible gives several insights about pleasing the Lord. 1. Pleasing the Lord brings peace in your heart and life. Proverbs 16:7—When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 2. Pleasing the Lord is the duty of every Christian. 1 Thessalonians 4:1—Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 3. Pleasing the Lord should be the desire of every preacher. 1 Thessalonians 2:4—But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 4. Enoch was an example of a man who pleased God. Hebrews 11:5—By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Are you pleasing the Lord in your life right now? Make it the priority of your life. Solomon asked for an understanding heart. Let's see what God did for him. (Treasures from 1 Kings) One other way to be pleasing to God is to pray Paul's prayer (Colossians 1:9-10+) for yourself and all the saints in your sphere of influence... For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that (FIRS PURPOSE OF THIS PRAYER) you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to PLEASE HIM IN ALL RESPECTS, (HOW ELSE DO WE PLEASE HIM? Jn 15:8+ SAYS BY) bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (NOT HEAD KNOWLEDGE BUT HEART TRANSFORMING KNOWLEDGE - NOT SMARTER SINNERS BUT MORE LIKE THE SAVIOR. NOT MODERN DAY PHARISEES). 1 Kings 3:11 God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, KJV 1 Kings 3:11 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; AMP God said to him, “Because you have asked this and have not asked for yourself a long life nor for wealth, nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to recognize justice, BGT 1 Kings 3:11 καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς αὐτόν ἀνθ᾽ ὧν ᾐτήσω παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο καὶ οὐκ ᾐτήσω σαυτῷ ἡμέρας πολλὰς καὶ οὐκ ᾐτήσω πλοῦτον οὐδὲ ᾐτήσω ψυχὰς ἐχθρῶν σου ἀλλ᾽ ᾐτήσω σαυτῷ σύνεσιν τοῦ εἰσακούειν κρίμα LXE 1 Kings 3:11 And the Lord said to him, Because thou hast asked this thing of me, and hast not asked for thyself long life, and hast not asked wealth, nor hast asked the lives of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to hear judgement; NET 1 Kings 3:11 God said to him, "Because you asked for the ability to make wise judicial decisions, and not for long life, or riches, or vengeance on your enemies, CSB 1 Kings 3:11 So God said to him, "Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to understand justice, ESV 1 Kings 3:11 And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, NIV 1 Kings 3:11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, NLT 1 Kings 3:11 So God replied, "Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies-- NRS 1 Kings 3:11 God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, NJB 1 Kings 3:11 'Since you have asked for this,' God said, 'and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, NAB 1 Kings 3:11 So God said to him: "Because you have asked for this-- not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right-- YLT 1 Kings 3:11 and God saith unto him, 'Because that thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thee many days, nor asked for thee riches, nor asked the life of thine enemies, and hast asked for thee discernment to understand judgment, GWN 1 Kings 3:11 God replied, "You've asked for this and not for a long life, or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies. Instead, you've asked for understanding so that you can do what is right. BBE 1 Kings 3:11 And God said to him, Because your request is for this thing, and not for long life for yourself or for wealth or for the destruction of your haters, but for wisdom to be a judge of causes; RSV 1 Kings 3:11 And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, NKJ 1 Kings 3:11 Then God said to him: "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, ASV 1 Kings 3:11 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 justice; DBY 1 Kings 3:11 And God said to 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 discernment to understand judgment; have not asked for: Ps 4:6 Pr 16:31 Mt 20:21,22 Ro 8:26 Jas 4:2,3 have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,1Ki 3:9 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 1:11+ God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.” SOLOMON'S REQUEST TO RECOGNIZE JUSTICE God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies - Yourself...yourself...your enemies clearly speaks of selfish "me" centered requests. And we have to give Solomon much credit here because God essentially gave him "carte blanche!" But - Term of contrast, contrasting what most men would have selfishly asked from God with Solomon's God pleasing request. Have asked for yourself discernment to understand (bin/biyn; Lxx = sunesis) justice (mishpat/mispat; Lxx = krima) - Solomon asked for an attribute that would make him a great king over God's people. I like the Greek word sunesis as it is the ability to see parts, like parts of a puzzle, and intelligently put them together allowing a reasoned conclusion or judgment as with the 2 women with one baby! Philip Ryken - If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be? Some people wish they had different abilities—more brains, better looks, stronger skills. Others wish for a change in their life circumstances. There is something they have that they wish they didn’t have, or something they don’t have that they wish they did. What would your wish be? The 2005 television reality show Three Wishes asked that question in small towns across America. In each heartwarming episode the producers made wishes come true, choosing three people to receive the one thing they wanted more than anything else in life. The application said, “We are looking for emotional stories of people in need. We want to help deserving people—people who always help others, but never think of themselves.” Then it asked the big question: “If you had one wish in the world and could ask for absolutely anything from the heart, what would it be?” The television producers said that money was no object, which may explain why the show was canceled after only one season: making wishes come true can get very expensive! But what if your biggest wish really could come true? And what if the person asking what you wanted had infinite resources? This was the opportunity that Almighty God gave to King Solomon: “Ask what I shall give you.” (See King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power - Page 44) Rod Mattoon - Setting your sights on riches will leave you empty and never satisfied. Putting the Lord first in your life will satisfy the deepest needs in your life. Solomon received great wisdom, but it was up to him to apply that wisdom in all areas of his life. He was basically wise in governing the nation. He was foolish in governing his house. He did not always acts wisely and neither do we. Wealth without wisdom and grace can damage your life. (Treasures from 1 Kings) 1 Kings 3:12 behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have done (KJV): Ps 10:17 Isa 65:24 Ro 8:26,27 1Jn 5:14,15 I have given: 1Ki 3:28 2:6,9 4:29-34 5:12 10:3-8,23,24 2Ch 1:11,12 2:12 9:5-8 Ec 1:13,16 Lu 21:15 neither (KJV): Mt 12:42 Col 2:3 Related Passages: Matthew 12:42+ “The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. James 1:17+ Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 3:13+ Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (SOLOMON'S NAME MEANS PEACE AND HIS KINGDOM EXPERIENCED PEACE FOR 40 YEARS) GOD SAYS SOLOMON'S WISDOM ONE OF A KIND Behold, (hinneh; Lxx - idou) I have done according to your words. Behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou), I have given you a wise and discerning (bin/biyn; Lxx = phronimos) heart (leb) Todd Stiles: We’re going to see that wisdom comes from God, is perfectly personified in the Son of God, and is available to the people of God to keep us from compromising our walk with God. (Quoted by Paul Apple) One question that might be asked is what role did the Holy Spirit play in Solomon's wisdom? If we compare Bezalel in Ex 31:1-5+, we see Jehovah filled this man with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge and in all kinds of craftsmanship to make artistic designs. While I cannot be dogmatic, it seems reasonable to see God's Spirit filling Solomon with wisdom and understanding. Is this not similar for believers today who obey Paul's command to "Let the Word of Christ richly dwell (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) within you, with ALL WISDOM teaching and admonishing one another."? (Col 3:16+). One other point is that Solomon clearly was inspired by or "moved by" the Holy Spirit in authoring Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. Peter writes that "no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2Pe 1:21+) So that - This is a term of purpose or result. There has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you - Of course, Jesus is the exception to this statement. While this is a wonderful accolade for Solomon, it was as if God had placed him on a spiritually high mountain, which would make his subsequent fall all the more dramatic. Wisdom is only practical when it is assiduously lived out as enabled by the Holy Spirit. “True wisdom is not gotten, but is given; Not dug out of the earth, but dropped from Heaven: Heavenly, not earthly, is the brightness of it.” —LYTTON. Behold (02009) hinneh is an interjection meaning behold, look, now; if. "It is used often and expresses strong feelings, surprise, hope, expectation, certainty, thus giving vividness depending on its surrounding context." (Baker) Hinneh generally directs our mind to the text, imploring the reader to give it special attention. In short, the Spirit is trying to arrest our attention! And so hinneh is used as an exclamation of vivid immediacy (e.g., read Ge 6:13)! Hinneh is a marker used to enliven a narrative, to express a change a scene, to emphasize an idea, to call attention to a detail or an important fact or action that follows (Isa 65:17, Ge 17:20, 41:17). The first use of hinneh in Ge 1:29 and second in Ge 1:31 - "And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day." Hinneh is oftn used in the idiom "Here I am" in Ge 22:1, 7,11 Ge 27:1,18, Ge 31:11, Ge 46:2 Ex 3:4 1Sa 3:4, 3:16, 12:3, 2Sa 1:7, Isa 52:6, Isa 58:9. Hinneh is used most often to point out people but also to point out things (Ge 31:41, 17:4). God uses hinneh to grab man's attention before He brings destruction (Ge 6:13, 17). God uses hinneh when He establishes covenants (Ge 9:9, 15:12, 17 [when Jehovah cut the Abrahamic covenant], Ge 17:4, cp Ge 28:13, 15), when He provided a sacrificial substitute for Isaac (foreshadowing His giving us His only Son!) (Ge 22:13). Hinneh marks the "chance (The Providence of God)" arrival of Boaz at the field where Ruth was gleaning (Ru 2:4-read about this "chance romance" - Indeed, "Behold!"). Hinneh is used to announce the Lord’s sending of a child as a sign and a prophecy of Immanuel-Emmanuel, the Messiah (Isa. 7:14+). In fact W E Vine says that it is notable that when behold (hinneh) is used in Isaiah, it always introduces something relating to future circumstances.