(a) Write notes on Solomon's request for wisdom, [12marks] (b) Give three ways Solomon's request was tested and proved. [3 marks]

Answer Details

(a) Solomon's request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:3-15)

• Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, though he still sacrificed at the high places.
• He went to Gibeon, the great high place, to offer sacrifice, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there.
• At night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask what I shall give you."
• Solomon replied with humility, acknowledging God's great steadfast love to his father David and to himself in making him king.
• He confessed that he was but a little child who did not know how to go out or come in, set over a people too numerous to count.
• Therefore he asked God for an understanding mind (a wise and discerning heart) to govern the people and to discern between good and evil, rather than for riches or long life.
• The request pleased the LORD, because Solomon had not asked for long life, riches or the death of his enemies, but for understanding to do justice.
• God granted him a wise and discerning heart, so that there was none like him before or after; and He also added what Solomon had not asked, riches and honour, and promised long life if he would walk in God's ways.
• Solomon awoke and realised it was a dream, then went to Jerusalem, stood before the ark, offered offerings and made a feast.

(b) Three ways Solomon's wisdom was tested and proved

• The judgment of the two harlots: he wisely discovered the true mother of the living child by ordering it to be divided, and all Israel stood in awe of his wisdom.
• The visit of the Queen of Sheba: she tested him with hard questions, and he answered them all, so that she was overwhelmed and confessed that his wisdom exceeded the report she had heard.
• His proverbs, songs and knowledge: he spoke thousands of proverbs and songs and had understanding of trees, animals, birds and fish, and people came from all nations to hear his wisdom.