2:10: “Then David slept with his ancestors.” – The life of David has come to an end and his heritage begins anew as Solomon assumes the throne and the leadership of his people.
3:3: “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David.” – The most important thing David had passed on to his son was a fear, love and respect for God.
5: “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night.” – Solomon had left the city and gone off by himself in retreat in order to be close to God and to learn God’s purpose and plan for his kingship.
5b: “And God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’” – This is not simply an opportunity for Solomon to make a wish. God is responding to His promise to bless each of us. This statement is a test designed to reveal Solomon’s objectives and to illustrate God’s faithfulness.
9: “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people.” – Already wise beyond his years, Solomon demonstrates that his focus as king will be on God and in serving his people.
12: “I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind.” – God’s blessings in our lives are always focused towards how those blessings can be used to help others.
13: “I give you also what you have not asked…” – God’s bountiful love provides beyond our deepest needs.
Points to Contemplate:
What inheritance will you leave your children? David had left Solomon a legacy to follow and because of this legacy, Solomon knew how to walk with the Lord. Will your children know how to walk with the Lord? When their time comes will they know how to turn to God for aid and comfort? Will they know how to seek Him out? Will they know that He is there for them? Will they be able to hear His still small voice? Is this inheritance you are to leave an important priority in your life?
Where do you go to be with God? Is there a special place, quiet and set apart where you commune with God and listen for His guidance? Do you see the importance of being able to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the world at times in order to be able to clearly focus on Him? Have you ever been on a spiritual retreat, setting aside three or four days of your life just for God to use? Do you see the value of doing this, how God can use times such as these to work with you and grow you closer to Him? (For more information regarding spiritual retreats please visit the following web site: Walk to Emmaus)
Solomon inherited from David a rich tradition of love for God. Because of this tradition, Solomon was able to know and understand how to listen for God’s guidance in his life. With a focus on the people he was to lead, Solomon prayed that God would provide him the wisdom and understanding it would take to always walk in the ways of the Lord. God blesses each and every one of us so that we too, can be a blessing in the world.
