(a) Describe Solomons's dream at Gibeon (b) For what two reasons would you approve of Solomon's request on this ision?

Answer Details

(a) Solomon's dream at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:5-15)

• Solomon went to Gibeon, the great high place, to offer sacrifice, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon the altar.
• At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and said, Ask what I shall give you.
• Solomon answered with humility, acknowledging God's great steadfast love to his father David and confessing 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 be counted.
• He therefore asked God to give him an understanding heart to govern the people and to discern between good and evil.
• The request pleased the Lord because Solomon had not asked for long life, riches, or the death of his enemies, but for wisdom to do justice.
• God promised to give him a wise and discerning heart, so that there had been none like him before and none would arise after him. In addition, God gave him what he had not asked, riches and honour, and promised him 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 of the covenant, offered offerings, and made a feast for his servants.

(b) Two reasons to approve of Solomon's request

1. He sought wisdom to serve others, not personal gain. Solomon asked for an understanding heart to govern God's people justly rather than for wealth, long life or victory over enemies, showing an unselfish spirit.
2. Wisdom is the foundation of good leadership. A ruler needs discernment to judge rightly between good and evil; by asking for it, Solomon showed a proper sense of his responsibility and dependence on God.