Christmas · Second Sunday after Christmas · Year C
1 Kings 3:4-15
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
January 2, 2028
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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Commentary
Working Preacher: Commentary on 1 Kings 3:4-9 [10-15] 16-28 Working Preacher
Lutheran lectionary commentary on Solomon's dream request for a listening heart.
CEP: 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Solomon's succession and his request for wisdom.
Enduring Word: 1 Kings 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical notes on the chapter.
Precept Austin: 1 Kings 3 Commentary Precept Austin
Study page gathering many conservative commentators verse by verse on the chapter.
StudyLight: 1 Kings 3:4 Commentaries StudyLight
Many complete commentaries gathered on this passage page.
BibleHub: Commentaries on 1 Kings 3:4 BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries keyed to Solomon's sacrifice and dream at Gibeon.
BibleHub: 1 Kings 3:4 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew text with parsing for the understanding mind Solomon requests.
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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