3 February 2024

And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’.

From 1 Kings 3:4-13, NRSV

Following the death of David, his son Solomon was appointed as his successor. Solomon went to Gibeon – considered the greatest of the “high places” – to offer sacrifice to God. While he was there, he received a vision from the Lord who asked Solomon what he would like to be given. There were many things that a new king might need to ask for such as power, wealth and success. However, in all humility, Solomon first declared his own unsuitability for such a high position and then asked nothing for himself except for the understanding to rule his people well. We are told that the Lord was pleased with this answer and granted Solomon what he had asked for. Perhaps this in part explains why Solomon came to be renowned for his wisdom. His reign was not without its problems yet, at the outset, his intentions were honourable.

• • Why do you suppose that the Lord was pleased with Solomon’s request?
  • How important is it to possess an “understanding mind” and how can this be achieved?

Give thanks for the wisdom of others and how this has helped you.