7 That night God appeared to Solomon. God said, "What do you want from me? Ask." 8 Solomon answered, "You were extravagantly generous with David my father, and now you have made me king in his place. 9 Establish, God, the words you spoke to my father, for you've given me a staggering task, ruling this mob of people. 10 Yes, give me wisdom and knowledge as I come and go among this people - for who on his own is capable of leading these, your glorious people?" 11 God answered Solomon, "This is what has come out of your heart: You didn't grasp for money, wealth, fame, and the doom of your enemies; you didn't even ask for a long life. You asked for wisdom and knowledge so you could govern well my people over whom I've made you king. 12 Because of this, you get what you asked for - wisdom and knowledge. And I'm presenting you the rest as a bonus - money, wealth, and fame beyond anything the kings before or after you had or will have."
13 Then Solomon left the worship center at Gibeon and the Tent of Meeting and went to Jerusalem. He set to work as king of Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 1:7-13
Chapter Contents
Solomon's choice of wisdom, His strength and wealth.
SOLOMON began his reign with a pious, public visit to God's altar. Those that pursue present things most eagerly, are likely to be disappointed; while those that refer themselves to the providence of God, if they have not the most, have the most comfort. Those that make this world their end, come short of the other, and are disappointed in this also; but those that make the other world their end, shall not only obtain that, and full satisfaction in it, but shall have as much of this world as is good for them, in their way. Let us then be contented, without those great things which men generally covet, but which commonly prove fatal snares to the soul.