19th.: The Lord Came to Solomon
King David passed the reigns of kingdom of Israel to his son Solomon.
God then offered Solomon, “Ask what I shall give thee.” (1st Kings 3:5b).
Solomon answered God with, “Thou has showed unto thy servant David, my father, great mercy,
according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee.
And thou has kept for him this great kingdom that thou has given him a son on his throne, as it is this day.
And now, O Lord my God thou has made thy servant king instead of David, my father.
And I am but a little child. I know not how to go out or come in. and thy servant is in the midst of thy
people which thou has chosen. A great people that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and bad.
For who is able to judge this thy so great a people.” (1st Kings 3:6-9).
King Solomon began his request, by
1. Reminding God of His relationship with King David.
2. Reciting the promises God gave David about the kingdom.
3. Cited his own responsibility to the Israelite people, stressing his ignorance about governing.
Solomon finally asked, “give thy servant an understanding heart.”, so that he could serve the people well.
Likewise, let us ask God for help to carry out the responsibilities that He gives us.
”Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord.”
– David to Solomon, (1st Chr. 22:19a)