1 Kings 3:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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: 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,

NASB: And God said to him, 'Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself a long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,

CSB: 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 administer justice,

NLT: 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 —

KJV: 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;

NKJV: 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,

God has asked Solomon what he wants. Solomon understands that he is responsible for three legacies: the kingdom inherited from his father David, the law of Moses, and the people of Abraham. Solomon knows he doesn't have perfect skill or extensive experience to determine what is good for the people he leads (1 Kings 3:6–8). He needs "an understanding mind" to "discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). He needs wisdom to know how to bring good to the people and not foolishly make them suffer.

God is pleased with Solomon's choice (1 Kings 3:10). He lists the things Solomon could have asked for himself: a long life, wealth, and victory over his enemies. In 2 Chronicles 1:11, the list also mentions wealth and honor.

What God lists are part of the promises He will give Israel if they obey Him:

• A long life: "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out" (Deuteronomy 28:6).
• Wealth: "And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow" (Deuteronomy 28:12)
• The lives of enemies: "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways" (Deuteronomy 28:7).
• Possessions: "The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake" (Deuteronomy 28:8).
• Honor: "the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth" (Deuteronomy 28:1).

God had a stipulation for these promises: to obey His commandments and not serve other gods (Deuteronomy 28:13–14). Solomon isn't asking for the blessings, which would be legitimate. Rather, He's asking for the ability to lead his people to fulfill God's requirements for the blessings. It's no wonder the Lord is so pleased.

First Kings 3:10–15 records God's promise to Solomon regarding wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:11–13). At the Lord's prompting, Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and understanding to lead God's people. God agrees. But because Solomon's request isn't self-serving, God promises to bless him, as well, with riches, honor, and possessions. Solomon goes on to be the wisest, richest, and most honored king in his time and place. In a famous example, he cleverly judges between two women arguing over a child (1 Kings 3:16–28).

In 1 Kings 3, Solomon receives and displays supernatural wisdom. He gathers the national leaders and offers sacrifices at the tabernacle in Gibeon. In a dream, God asks him what he would want. Solomon says wisdom to rule well. God agrees and adds wealth and honor. In an example of his wisdom, Solomon decides the unsolvable case of two women who each claim a living baby is theirs and the dead one is the other's. When Solomon offers to cut the child into two, the real mother reveals herself. First Kings 4 continues with accounts of Solomon's honor, wealth, and wisdom.

First Kings 3 (2 Chronicles 1:2–13) explains how Solomon became wise. He established his kingdom through his own wisdom (1 Kings 2), but to rule Abraham's people, he needs God's guidance. God agrees to impart wisdom and promises money, possessions, and honor, as well. Two women argue over whose son is living and whose has died. Solomon offers to cut the baby in two, and the women reveal their natures. In the chiastic partner to 1 Kings 3, Solomon exhibits great foolishness (1 Kings 11:1–13), receives a great deal of wealth (1 Kings 10:14–29), and wins honor from the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1–13).

This was originally the first half of a combined text. First Kings records the end of David's reign and the rule of Solomon. After this, the kingdom is split in two. The northern nation of Israel no longer submits to the king of the southern nation, called Judah. The prophet Elijah first appears in this book. The kings mostly fail to honor the Lord. They participate in idolatry and other sins. This will eventually result in their conquest and exile, as depicted throughout the books of Chronicles.