Solomon was the king who asked for wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:5-14, shortly after Solomon became king of Israel following David's death, God appeared to him in a dream at Gibeon and said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Instead of asking for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies, Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern God's people and to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9).
God was pleased with Solomon's request and granted him not only wisdom surpassing all others but also the riches and honour he had not asked for. Solomon's wisdom became legendary: he composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32), and people from all nations came to hear his wisdom, including the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13). His most famous demonstration of wisdom was the judgment between two women who both claimed the same baby (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Rehoboam, Solomon's son, is notably remembered for rejecting wise counsel, which led to the division of the kingdom. Saul was Israel's first king but was not known for requesting wisdom. Hezekiah was a righteous king of Judah who prayed for deliverance and healing but did not ask specifically for wisdom.
