3 Now Solomon loved the Lord , walking in the statutes of his father David , except he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places . 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there , for that was the great high place ; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar .
5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night ; and God said , " Ask what you wish me to give you." 6 Then Solomon said , " You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father , according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness , that You have given him a son to sit on his throne , as it is this day . 7 "Now , O Lord my God , You have made Your servant king in place of my father David , yet I am but a little child ; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 " Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen , a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted . 9 "So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil . For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" 10 It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing . 11 God said to him, "Because e you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life , nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies , but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice , 12 behold , I have done according to your words . Behold , I have given you a wise and discerning heart , so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. 13 " I have also given you what you have not asked , both riches and honor , so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days . 14 " If you walk in My ways , keeping My statutes and commandments , as your father David walked , then I will prolong your days ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 3:3-14
Commentary on 1 Kings 3:1-4
(Read 1 Kings 3:1-4)
He that loved the Lord, should, for his sake, have fixed his love upon one of the Lord's people. Solomon was a wise man, a rich man, a great man; yet the brightest praise of him, is that which is the character of all the saints, even the poorest, "He loved the Lord." Where God sows plentifully, he expects to reap accordingly; and those that truly love God and his worship, will not grudge the expenses of their religion. We must never think that wasted which is laid out in the service of God.
Commentary on 1 Kings 3:5-15
(Read 1 Kings 3:5-15)
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers of reason least active, showed it came from the grace of God. Having a humble sense of his own wants and weakness, he pleads, Lord, I am but a little child. The more wise and considerate men are, the better acquainted they are with their own weakness, and the more jealous of themselves. Solomon begs of God to give him wisdom. We must pray for it, James 1:5, that it may help us in our particular calling, and the various occasions we have. Those are accepted of God, who prefer spiritual blessings to earthly good. It was a prevailing prayer, and prevailed for more than he asked. God gave him wisdom, such as no other prince was ever blessed with; and also gave him riches and honour. If we make sure of wisdom and grace, these will bring outward prosperity with them, or sweeten the want of it. The way to get spiritual blessings, is to wrestle with God in prayer for them. The way to get earthly blessings, is to refer ourselves to God concerning them. Solomon has wisdom given him, because he did ask it, and wealth, because he did not.