1 Kings chapter 3 records the greatest event of Solomon’s life, but it tragically begins with the seemingly innocent mention of what will become his source of failure. “Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter“. God warned His people over and over against marrying outside the faith. He knows our hearts will be divided, and ultimately “that would turn away your children from following me, to serve other gods” (Deuteronomy 7:1-4). Don’t miss the huge point; this did not disqualify Solomon from being used by God to accomplish His goals. No matter what misstep you may have made in life, God can still use you too. 1 Corinthian 1:27 reminds us, “God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong“. That includes you and me!
The chapter continues, “Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places“. There was not yet a temple built for the sacrifice and worship, so Solomon went to the tabernacle at Gibeon. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you“. To his credit, Solomon responded in humility. “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“. The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this and God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself… I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for both riches and honor so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings“. Again we see the heart of our Loving Father. God loves to give His children good gifts. One of the reasons we are told to pray is that we can then give God praise when He answers our prayer. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think“. Whatever your need today, God is able.
The chapter ends with the famous story demonstrating the “Wisdom of Solomon”. Two prostitutes both had babies at the same time. During the night, one of the babies died and the mother switched it with the live child. Both women claimed the living child was their own. The king said, “Bring me a sword“. So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other“. The woman whose son was alive was filled with compassion for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” Seeing the unsurpassed love of a mother for her child, the king ordered, “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” God loves you with that same compassion and He desires fellowship with you. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you“. (Matthew 7:7)