2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 1: Solomon asks God for wisdom

Begin in prayer

Before we read how God appeared to Solomon in the night, let us pray. Ask Him to show us that wisdom is His gift, and to help us see Christ in this chapter.

The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Thank You that wisdom is Your gift, and show us Jesus, in whom wisdom is found. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Solomon, the son of David, is king, and the LORD his God is with him and makes him great. He leads the leaders of Israel to Gibeon, where the Tent of Meeting that Moses made still stands beside its bronze altar. David had already brought the ark of God to Jerusalem, so the ark and the tent were in two places. Solomon offers one thousand burnt offerings on the altar, and that night God appears to him and tells him to ask. Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to judge God's people, who are as many as the dust of the earth. God gives him wisdom and knowledge and adds riches, wealth and honor, and Solomon goes back to Jerusalem to reign.

As you read 2 Chronicles 1, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for, so that he could lead God's people.

Solomon had just become king after David, and the chapter says plainly that the LORD his God was with him (verse 1). First he went with Israel's leaders to the altar at Gibeon to seek the LORD (verses 3 to 6). That night God spoke first and told him to ask for whatever he wanted (verse 7). Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to judge God's people, who were countless as dust (verses 9 and 10). He knew that no one could judge so great a people alone. God said this was in his heart, so wisdom and knowledge were granted him, with riches and honor (verses 11 and 12). The text gives all of this as God's gift, and it does not credit it to Solomon's own cleverness. This shows God as the giver, who fits a king for the work He has given him. A person who leads others needs what only God can give.

How does 2 Chronicles 1 show us that God gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for, so that he could lead God's people?

Solomon went first to seek the LORD at His altar.

Bezalel had made the bronze altar in the wilderness, and it stood before the LORD's tabernacle at Gibeon (verses 3 and 5). Solomon and the assembly were seeking counsel there (verse 5). He went up to the altar and offered one thousand burnt offerings (verse 6). The chapter shows him worshiping before it shows him ruling.

Solomon asked God for wisdom to judge His people.

Solomon began by remembering God's great loving kindness to David his father (verse 8). He called Israel a people like the dust of the earth in multitude (verse 9). Then he asked, “who can judge this great people of yours?” (verse 10). He asked for wisdom and knowledge, and not for riches or a long life.

God gave Solomon wisdom, and more than he asked.

God said this was in Solomon's heart, so wisdom and knowledge were granted to him (verses 11 and 12). God also promised riches, wealth and honor such as no other king would have (verse 12). He gave these because Solomon had not asked for them (verse 11). Silver and gold became as common in Jerusalem as stones (verse 15).

All the wisdom of God is found in Jesus Christ.

Solomon asked for wisdom to judge God's people, and God gave it (verses 10 to 12). Paul says Christ Jesus became wisdom from God for those who believe (1 Corinthians 1 verse 30). In Christ, Paul writes, every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is hidden away (Colossians 2 verse 3). Solomon's wisdom was a gift for one king, but Jesus is the wisdom of God Himself.

Memorise

Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of yours?

2 Chronicles 1:10

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I think I am wise enough, or do I need Jesus?

God said to Solomon, “Ask for what you want me to give you,” and Solomon asked for wisdom. Jesus is the wisdom of God, and Paul says every treasure of wisdom and knowledge is hidden in Him (Colossians 2 verse 3).

Our trouble is sin, and no wisdom of our own can take it away. At the cross Jesus took the place of His people, and His death paid the whole debt. God asked for no more. Then He came out of the tomb alive, raised by the Father's power.

So come to Him. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Everyone who trusts Him will be forgiven and given a place with God.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for, and that Jesus is the wisdom we need most. Parents, God did not promise every child riches, so please keep this gift with Solomon and his work. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that wisdom is His gift, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth. By understanding, he established the heavens. By his knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew.

Proverbs 3:19-20

Father, thank You that wisdom comes from You. Thank You for Jesus, who bore sin on the cross and rose from the grave. Please teach each of us to turn from sin and trust Him, and give us wisdom this week. Amen.