Solomon’s Rule Consolidated
3 Then Solomon [a]formed a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her to the city of David until he had finished building his own house and the house of the Lord and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 The people were still sacrificing on the high places, because there was no house built for the name of the Lord until those days.
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.”
Solomon’s Prayer
6 Then Solomon said, “You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in [b]truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have [c]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 [d]an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this [e]great people of Yours?”
Of all the things Solomon could have asked for, he asks for understanding and wisdom. Would that we were humble enough to do the same. Whether we feel the weight of a kingdom, or the weight of raising a family, we all need God’s discernment and understanding every day of our lives.
Don’t be too proud to ask for His help, don’t try to do it on your own. God made you to need Him, and that carries over especially in this area. Ask of God for understanding, to know which way you should go. To know what decisions to make, in small matters and large, and He will be your guide.
“Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” That’s an incredible promise, straight from the heart of our Father.