Lesson 86: 1 Kings 3:9
The Blueprint — The Verse
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba and the third king of Israel. Solomon is known for his extraordinary wisdom, vast wealth, and major building projects—including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign began in peace and prosperity, but his later years were marked by compromise as foreign wives led him into idolatry. Scripture remembers Solomon for both his God‑given wisdom... More became king at Gibeon early in his reign, a high place where sacrifices were offered before the temple was built. Israel's monarchy was at its widest influence, requiring wisdom beyond youth.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
God appeared in a dream and offered SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba and the third king of Israel. Solomon is known for his extraordinary wisdom, vast wealth, and major building projects—including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign began in peace and prosperity, but his later years were marked by compromise as foreign wives led him into idolatry. Scripture remembers Solomon for both his God‑given wisdom... More any request. Instead of wealth or long life, SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba and the third king of Israel. Solomon is known for his extraordinary wisdom, vast wealth, and major building projects—including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign began in peace and prosperity, but his later years were marked by compromise as foreign wives led him into idolatry. Scripture remembers Solomon for both his God‑given wisdom... More asked for a listening heart to judge God's great people—a request that pleased the LORD.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Your servant is among your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can’t be numbered or counted for multitude.
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This request pleased the Lord, that SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba and the third king of Israel. Solomon is known for his extraordinary wisdom, vast wealth, and major building projects—including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign began in peace and prosperity, but his later years were marked by compromise as foreign wives led him into idolatry. Scripture remembers Solomon for both his God‑given wisdom... More had asked this thing.
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Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Why did God honor Solomon's request for wisdom?
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What would you ask if God offered one gift?
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How do leaders discern right from wrong today?
Places — Map this passage
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