“Now Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and exalted him exceedingly. And Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ houses. Then Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for the tabernacle of meeting with God was there, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.
But David had brought up the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to the place David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. Now the bronze altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD; Solomon and the assembly sought Him there. And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you? And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. Now, O LORD God; let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 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?
Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life–but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” (2 Chronicles 1:1-12)
King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom and wise judgment of the people. People came from afar to hear him speak. His wealth was incomparable and peace was the hallmark of his reign as king over all of Israel. Solomon wrote the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon in the Bible. He was a great preacher and teacher. He is even called a preacher in Ecclesiastes. How did Solomon come to live such a grand and awesome life?
From the outset of Solomon’s reign, he sought God FIRST. He spoke to all his kingdom leaders and heads of households and then they all went as a unified group to the house of God to meet with Him. When a king does that, God is impressed. The whole group sought the face of God in His house. Solomon had managed to gather unity among the leadership of Israel. Can you imagine what would happen in America if our leaders became unified towards God instead of away from Him?
Then Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings to God on the bronze altar in front of the House of God. Back then it was the blood of bulls and goats that people could offer. The precious Blood of Jesus had not been shed. The Bible says that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin. The blood is the antidote to sin. Solomon offered a huge amount of blood to God as a thanksgiving and worship offering. He submitted his current wealth to God so he could meet with Him. That impressed God.
What was the LORD’s response to this? That very night He appeared to Solomon! He said “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon doesn’t ask for riches even though he had just given God a huge offering worth a lot of money. He didn’t ask for revenge on his enemies or a long life or more money and power. Solomon realized the immense responsibility that was given to him and he wanted God’s wisdom and understanding to judge the people in righteousness. To be a blessing to his people and not a burden. That impressed God.
The LORD commended Solomon for his unselfish request. He saw his heart was pure before Him and He granted Solomon more wisdom and understanding than any other person before or since his life. The LORD was so impressed that He granted Solomon MORE wealth and honor than any king of Israel before or since his reign. Finally He granted Solomon a long life filled with peace. He reigned forty years as king of Israel. He died full of days.
God looked into the heart of Solomon and saw humility and hunger for His righteousness and He was impressed. God looks into the heart of every person to see who they really are. Who you really are cannot be hidden from God. It’s easy to fool people into believing you are one way, but God knows who you really are at the very core. When you really love God, He knows it. He sees the hunger for His ways and His Word. He sees a repentant heart truly sorry for hurting Him. Coming to Him from a position of humility always brings His grace. The Bible says “He gives grace to the humble.”
Our prayers should always include submitting ourselves under His mighty hand in humility. Ask for His wisdom..He still gives it today! Is your heart cold towards Him but you are being drawn right now as you read this? It is the Holy Spirit drawing you into a relationship with the LORD..that same relationship countless others have right now. When we lay aside our obvious wants and desires and seek HIM first..God is impressed.
https://fromtheheartogod.wordpress.com/meet-jesus-here/
Blessings everyone…
From the Heart of God... 