Context, Context, Context: Circa 1010-930 B.C. King Solomon was established as the king in Israel (2 Chr 1:1). He was the nation’s new leader, successor to his son King David. And he did what we almost never hear of nowadays: he prayed for wisdom. He turned to the fountain of all wisdom. He petitioned the Lord for wisdom.

Text: “Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” (2 Chr 1:10).

Teaching: Verse 11 begins by recording God’s response:

¹¹ God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, ¹² wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” ¹³ So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel. (2 Chr 1:11-13)

God graced Solomon with more than he’d asked for. Sounds a lot like the gospel, doesn’t it?

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)

Encouragement: Regardless of how many times I read through Scripture, a motif recurs: God destroys pride in those he calls to lead and creates in them a humble heart. Solomon was on the mountaintop here, so to speak. He was doing well. But he’d squander much of his life later because he grew proud and self-absorbed. But for now, he got it right. Humility comes before honor. And those who purport to shepherd/lead/rule well must keep short accounts with God, because there is a reckoning (Rom 14:12).