Bible Commentaries

The first brief paragraph in this chapter reveals at once Solomon's strength and weakness. He was strong, for he loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of his father David. However, there was the other side of his nature, to which he yielded in undue measure, even at the beginning. His affinity with Pharaoh, and his marriage with his daughter, while politically astute, was a vital mistake from the standpoint of his relationship with God and the divine purposes. It is at once seen how he compromised in that he sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. The perils of mixed motives and a divided heart are terrible indeed.

Early in his reign, Jehovah appeared to him in a dream. With that appearance came Solomon's great opportunity, both to manifest himself, and to obtain the best. His choice was characterized by great wisdom, as it revealed his consciousness of personal incapacity for all the work devolving on him. God's answer to his request was full of gracious and oveewhelming kindness. He gave Solomon what he asked, and added the things he might have chosen, yet showed his wisdom in passing by.

Long life, wealth, and victory are all good when they come as bestowment from God. Should a man seek them from selfish motives rather than to fulfil the divine purpose, they would in all probability prove to be curses rather than blessings.

In this chapter Solomon's choice is followed by a beautiful picture in which he is seen exercising the gift for which he had asked and which God had granted to him.