Ordinary Time · Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year A
1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
July 26, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people.” (1 Kings 3:9)
Wisdom (Hb. ḥoḵmâ ) has already played an important role in the narrative, guiding Solomon in his treatment of those who were a threat to him (1 Kgs. 2:6, 9). It will play an even more central role now in 1 Kings 3. Solomon has a dream wherein he confesses a lack of discernment before God and is promised (among other things) a “wise and discerning heart” (3:4–15). He then hands down a legal judgment in which his use of this new gift is of crucial importance (3:16–28). The major question of interpretation is how to understand this new material on Solomon and wisdom in the light of both the general context provided by 1 Kings 1–2 and the more specific context provided by 1 Kings 3:1–3. How does 1 Kings 3 function to carry the Solomon story forward, particularly in its characterization of the king?
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Take it further: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Commentary
Working Preacher: Commentary on 1 Kings 3:5-12Working Preacher: Commentary on 1 Kgs 3:5-12 Working Preacher
A preaching focused reading of Solomon's request for wisdom.
Enduring Word: 1 Kings 3Enduring Word: 1 Kgs 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical commentary on the chapter.
Precept Austin: 1 Kings 3 CommentaryPrecept Austin: 1 Kgs 3 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of study notes and cross references on the chapter.
Bible Hub: 1 Kings 3:5 CommentariesBible Hub: 1 Kgs 3:5 Commentaries BibleHub
Multiple commentators lined up on Solomon's dream at Gibeon.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 3Barnes' Notes on 1 Kgs 3 StudyLight
A concise older commentary on the chapter.
Brant Pitre on the 17th Sunday Readings (Year A) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
A Catholic reading of Solomon's wisdom set beside the parables of the kingdom.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Solomon ask for at Gibeon?
Given anything he asks, the young king Solomon requests not long life or riches but a discerning heart to govern God's people, and God grants him wisdom and much more besides.
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