• The Explore the Bible Lesson for June 5 focuses on 1 Kings 3:4-15.
Nothing brings me more joy than to be able to give to the ones that I love a great gift. I must admit in years past, I had not been the best gift-giver, and when my family members opened my gifts, the perpetual letdown was evident.
Why is gift giving so special? There is something extraordinary the moment the anticipated gift unites with the person who had been expecting it. I think this is why Christmas is so unique, and birthday presents, anniversary gifts, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts are also very much anticipated. The delight is in the giving of a gift and the receiving of it as well.
However, the gift-giving experience is more effortless when the person I am giving the gift to does something honorable to deserve it. For example, when my son shows me his grades after a semester of sacrifice and hard work, it is easy to show him my appreciation for his hard work and obedience to what I expect from him in school.
In 1 Kings 3, The people of Israel are in the midst of transition. King David appoints Solomon to succeed him on the throne, thereby establishing Yahweh’s promise to King David that there would be a descendent of David on the throne of Israel forever.
In 1 Kings chapter 3, King Solomon acknowledges his challenges as a young king. It is very intriguing what he chooses to do first and how that obedient act allows him to please Yahweh when Yahweh presents Solomon with a choice.
Yahweh offers (1 Kings 3:4-5)
After consolidating Solomon’s kingship, he immediately wants to offer his worship to Yahweh. King Solomon sacrifices a thousand burnt offerings that signify Solomon’s desire to bring a gift to Yahweh that cost him something. Yahweh is pleased with this expression of worship and offers Solomon to ask for whatever he wants to determine what type of king Solomon would be.
True worship involves sacrifice that guides us to understand better who we are and what we need from Yahweh. Worship in spirit and truth puts us in the right place to commune with Yahweh. Solomon’s heart was in the right place to worship Yahweh because of who God is and what he had done for his family. Now Solomon’s heart is right to ask Yahweh what he needs from him.
Solomon makes his request (1 Kings 3:6-9)
Solomon’s request begins with a focus on Yahweh’s goodness and faithfulness. Solomon knows the only reason he is in the position of king is because of Yahweh’s kindness towards his father’s life, and now he wants to rule the people of Israel with justice. Solomon’s word for kindness is hesed, which implies faithfulness to the relationship. Solomon declares just as Yahweh had been faithful to his father, Solomon now wants to be loyal to the people and serve them through a righteous rule. This type of righteous reign would require the wisdom and guidance of Yahweh, especially because Solomon considered himself very young.
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Yahweh’s generous gift (1 Kings 10:13-15)
Again, Yahweh is pleased with Solomon’s actions by his request for wisdom to rule his kingdom and grants him his desired request. Although Solomon is indeed young, he has done what was right in the sight of Yahweh. Because Solomon has honored Yahweh, Yahweh is now ready to present Solomon with what he did not ask for and gives Solomon additional blessings of wealth and honor. Yahweh answers our prayers in ways that align with God’s purposes and statutes. Solomon yielded himself to Yahweh to be guided by him, and this delighted Yahweh to give Solomon over and above what he requested. Yahweh’s gift to King Solomon was the gift of his provision and his presence. His promise of long life comes with the vital stipulation of adhering to Yahweh’s commands and statutes.
As we reflect on Yahweh’s goodness and faithfulness, what do we need to yield to Yahweh today? Remember our obedience and sacrifice in worship to Yahweh allows us to see his provision and experience his presence and not just take those blessings for granted. What is it that you need from Yahweh today? Allow Yahweh’s presence and provision to be a reminder of his generous gifts to us.
These are some great lessons from a great king. May our hearts and prayers always be aligned with the purposes and statutes of Yahweh. May we always be ready to express our need for wisdom and guidance that Yahweh is always prepared to give us.
Dr. Joe Rangel is the associate dean of the School of Christian Studies and teaches Christian ministry at Wayland Baptist University.
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