Solomon Prays for Wisdom and Receives Three Blessings From The Lord - Wisdom, Wealth, and Honor. (1 Kings 03:4-15)

Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the great high place. Upon its altar Solomon sacrificed a thousand burnt offerings. 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said: Whatever you ask I shall give you. 6 Solomon answered: “You have shown great kindness to your servant, David my father, because he walked before you with fidelity, justice, and an upright heart; and you have continued this great kindness toward him today, giving him a son to sit upon his throne. 7 Now, Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed David my father; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act— 8 I, your servant, among the people you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant, therefore, a listening heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and evil. For who is able to give judgment for this vast people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased by Solomon’s request. 11 So God said to him: Because you asked for this—you did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies—but you asked for discernment to know what is right— 12 I now do as you request. I give you a heart so wise and discerning that there has never been anyone like you until now, nor after you will there be anyone to equal you. 13 In addition, I give you what you have not asked for: I give you such riches and glory that among kings there will be no one like you all your days. 14 And if you walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and commandments, as David your father did, I will give you a long life. 15 Solomon awoke; it was a dream! He went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, sacrificed burnt offerings and communion offerings, and gave a feast for all his servants.

Solomon, newly appointed king after David's death, journeyed to Gibeon, a significant religious site in Israel to offer sacrifices. The "high place" refers to an elevated area used for worship.  Solomon's offering of a thousand burnt offerings demonstrated his devotion to God and his earnest desire for divine wisdom and guidance as he began his reign.  Burnt offerings were a significant aspect of ancient Israelite worship, symbolizing dedication, atonement, and seeking divine favor.  

God appeared to Solomon in a dream and invited him to ask for whatever he desired.  Solomon acknowledged God’s faithfulness to his father David and the promise of continuity and fulfillment of His covenant with David and his descendants.  Solomon humbly recognized his youthfulness and inadequacy as he assumed the responsibilities of kingship over the multitude of God’s chosen people, Israel.  

Solomon's humble request for discernment between right and wrong and wisdom to govern God's people justly pleased God because he prioritized wisdom and discernment over personal gain or security.  God granted Solomon exceptional wisdom and discernment, surpassing any other person before or after him.  Additionally, God promised him unprecedented wealth and honor among kings.  God stipulated the conditions for maintaining His blessings upon Solomon – he must walk in obedience to God's laws and commandments, just as his father David did.  

Upon awakening, Solomon returned to Jerusalem, worshipped before the ark of the covenant, and celebrated with his servants, expressing gratitude and commitment to God.

Gracious God, like Solomon, we come before you humbly seeking wisdom and the grace to discern right from wrong.  Grant us the courage to walk in your ways and may you bless us with the wisdom, means, and honor to serve your kingdom faithfully.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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Sources:

• Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
• Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
• Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
• Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.