Solomon’s Wisdom and wealth explained

Solomon was about twenty years old when he ascended the throne of Israel, succeeding his father David. His youth made the weight of the crown even heavier, for the kingdom he inherited was vast, prosperous, and filled with a people chosen by God. Before his passing, David had given his son a solemn charge: “Keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies… that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself” (1 Kings 2:3, KJV). Solomon understood that the greatness of a king was not measured merely by the strength of his army or the wealth of his treasury, but by his faithfulness to the will of God.

Shortly after becoming king, Solomon journeyed to Gibeon, where the tabernacle of the congregation still stood. There, before the great altar, he offered a thousand burnt offerings to the LORD. This act of lavish devotion sprang from a heart that knew it needed God’s guidance more than political security or personal comfort. That very night, as he slept, the LORD appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5). It was a divine invitation unlike any otheran open offer from the Creator of heaven and earth to a young king with the whole nation before him. Many in Solomon’s position might have asked for long life, unmeasured riches, or victory over every enemy. But Solomon’s heart was fixed on something higher.

In deep humility, he began his reply by acknowledging God’s mercy to his father David, and then confessed his own inexperience: “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in” (1 Kings 3:7). Then came the request that would define his reign: “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad” (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon did not ask for treasures, power, or glory; he asked for wisdom to fulfil his calling as God’s chosen ruler over His people.

The LORD was pleased. Because Solomon’s request was selfless and aligned with His purpose, God answered abundantly: “Lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee” (1 Kings 3:12). Not only did He grant the wisdom Solomon sought, but He also added riches and honour beyond measure. And He gave a promise: if Solomon would walk in God’s ways as David had, his days would be lengthened. When Solomon awoke, he returned to Jerusalem, offered further sacrifices before the Ark of the Covenant, and celebrated with his servants. Soon after, his God-given wisdom was famously demonstrated when he resolved the dispute between two women claiming the same child, a judgment that caused all Israel to marvel (1 Kings 3:16–28).

Yet this scene at Gibeon points to a greater reality revealed in the New Testament. Solomon sought wisdom to govern God’s people; centuries later, the apostle Paul would reveal that God has given us more than wisdom as a gift He has given us Wisdom Himself in the person of Jesus Christ: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Solomon’s wisdom was a created blessing; Christ’s wisdom is uncreated, eternal, and divine. The Lord Himself testified to this when He said, “Behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42).

While Solomon judged with insight, Christ judges with perfect knowledge of the heart. While Solomon ruled a united Israel for a time, Christ reigns eternally over all creation. And while Solomon’s wisdom, though unparalleled in his day, was still subject to human weakness eventually leading to compromise Christ’s wisdom is flawless, holy, and unchanging. Solomon was a type, a shadow; Christ is the substance, the true and eternal King in whom “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

The lesson is timeless: God delights to give wisdom to those who ask with a humble heart, as James 1:5 declares: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Solomon’s night at Gibeon shows us the pattern but Christ gives us the fulfilment. In Him, we do not merely receive wise answers; we walk with Wisdom Himself. To seek Him first is to receive everything we truly need, for as He said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

That night in Gibeon God transformed a young king’s reign; but the day we surrender to Christ transforms our eternity. Solomon’s crown faded with time, but the wisdom of Christ is everlasting, and all who follow Him share in the unshakable kingdom of the greater Son of David, whose throne will never pass away.

Salvation Confession

If you have read through this story and wish to become born again then make the following simple Confession for your Salvation:

Lord Jesus,I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You died for my sins and that God raised You from the dead. I confess You as my Lord and Saviour. Lord Jesus Comein to my heart, forgive my sins,and make me a new person. Thank You for saving me.Amen.

If have done above confession you are Born Again.

What do you do next? – Join a bible-believing Church or Online Church to keep your salvation
1. Call Christ Kingdom ministries: +44 7466036767

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Pastor Dr Freedom Akurunwa Christ Kingdom Ministries Https://www.christkingdom.org.uk