June 5, 2024 • 14 mins
In this Bible Story, we peer into the dreams of Solomon where God asks him to request anything and it would be given. Solomon asked for wisdom and a kind heart to lead his people. God grants this to Solomon, and gives him more than he could have ever asked for. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 3-4 & 2 Chronicles 1. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.
Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 4:29 from the King James Version.
Episode 114: Solomon, having big plans for the peace of his country and the temple of his Lord, married Pharaoh's daughter as a sign of political union. After worshiping God at Gibeon, Solomon returned home where he encountered the voice of God in a dream. In this encounter, God grants his request for wisdom to govern the people well. The very next day, he would have an opportunity to experience the wisdom that God said He would give him.
Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.
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Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard
Producer: Ben Gammon
Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham
Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith
Bible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let us pray and God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding
exceeding much and largeness of heart, even as the sand
is on the sea shore. First Kings, four twenty nine.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are constantly available
for me to draw from the well of your wisdom.
(00:22):
Like Solomon in today's reading of First Kings, I ask
that you give me divine understanding in all matters that
pertain to life, business, and relationships, because your understanding is
greater than mine. As I tap into this new power source,
I'm excited because I will understand situations like you do.
(00:45):
I can now have access to divine understanding in the
matters of business, even if I am new to the industry.
Increase the understanding in my life when it comes to
leading others and in the matters of giving advice. May
my speech be seasoned and well placed. May my actions
(01:05):
be calculative and precise. Thank you Lord that because I
have opened my heart to you and your ways, I
will never be without understanding as long as I rest
and rely on You. I declare that I am stepping
into the greatest season of understanding and wisdom in my life.
(01:27):
In Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today.
Continue listening for an incredible Bible story brought to you
by Bible in a Year dot.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Com Solomon's God given wisdom. In our last story, the
great reign of David came to a close. David ruled
over Israel for forty years and blessed the entire nation
(02:04):
with his bravery, leadership, and love for God. Now it
was Solomon's duty to rule over Israel with wisdom, mercy,
and justice. As his first act as king, Solomon took
care of those who were loyal to his father and
dealt justly with those who betrayed him. Now we watch
the heart of Solomon connected to the heart of God
(02:25):
in a unique way. His desire for wisdom over riches
and influence sparks God's loyalty and blessing. Inspired by the
Book of First Kings and Second Chronicles.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year. In our last time together, we
heard how David left final words of encouragement and instruction
for Solomon before he died. After David's death, Solomon set
about dealing with those who had betrayed his father and him,
and blessing those who proved loyalty Israel and to its leader.
(03:02):
Already we caught glimpses of a man wise beyond his years,
but that was just the beginning. Today we'll learn how
Solomon pursued godly wisdom, choosing it over wealth and status.
God is pleased by the heart of the young king
and blesses him in a very special way. Solomon's wisdom
will become something of renown throughout his kingdom as he
(03:24):
listens to his people and discerns right from wrong and
good from evil. So let's listen now to today's scripture.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Solomon sat in the palace courtyard of Pharaoh, King of Egypt.
The hot Egyptian sun beat down on his back, causing
a slight drip of sweat to fall down his neck.
Solomon was there for a very specific purpose. He knew
that in order for Israel to thrive, it could not
just battle other countries. Some alliances had to be made
(03:55):
for the preservation of their culture. So, in the heat
of day in the palace of Pharaoh, Solomon married one
of Pharaoh's daughters as a symbol of political union. Trade
with Egypt would prove useful, since Solomon had big plans
to build a great temple for the Lord, just as
his father David dreamed of. Solomon returned from Egypt ecstatic
(04:15):
at his new union with Egypt. There was something redemptive
about an alliance with past enemies. Solomon felt a sense
of purpose in creating allies instead of enemies. He made
his way to Gibeon to worship God and get guidance
and direction for next steps. He was still a young
man and incredibly inexperienced. He knew that answers were found
(04:37):
at the altar of God. The sun was beginning to set,
and Solomon sacrificed one thousand burnt offerings to the Lord.
Music and incense filled the room. As Solomon breathed out
sweet praises to God. A smile fell upon his face,
and he returned home. The night was calm, and there
was no breeze or sound in all of Israel. The
(04:59):
stars shone brightly, and Solomon was deep asleep in his bed.
He shifted slightly in his bed, experiencing a dream more
vivid and real than any other. Solomon stood before the Lord.
He could not see him, but know he was there.
What do you want most, Solomon heard the Lord ask
ask in it will be given to you. Solomon paused
(05:22):
for a moment. He looked up and said, you showed
my father faithful love since the beginning. He was honest
and truly faithful to you, and you have continued your
love for him by allowing me to sit on this throne.
Solomon began to choke up, trying to capture the right words. Now,
my God, you have made me king, and I am
(05:44):
like a little child stumbling about, But you have placed
me in the midst of your chosen people. They are
a nation so great and so vast that they cannot
be fully counted. Solomon paused again, this time kneeling before
God with his hands spread over and wide. Please give
me an understanding heart in wisdom to govern your people well.
(06:06):
Allow me to know the true difference between right and wrong,
good and evil, curses and blessings. There is no man
that can govern these people without you by their side.
Solomon finished his request and sat at the feet of
God for a long time. The Lord was very pleased
with Solomon's request. He could have asked for riches, success, power,
(06:30):
or victory over enemies. However, Solomon simply asked for a
discerning and loving heart. God replied to Solomon, saying, because
you have asked for wisdom instead of a long life
for wealth, I will give you all you have asked
for and more. The joy of God was palpable, and
Solomon could feel it welling up in his chest. I
(06:52):
will give you a wise heart, and no other ruler
in history will match your mind. I will also give
you more than you have asked for, with riches, fame,
and prosperity. All that I asked is that you follow
me with your whole heart, as your father did. And
before Solomon could look up at the Lord, he awoke
from his dream. He rose out of his bed and
(07:13):
worshiped God alongside the governors of Israel. Soon after, Solomon
was sitting in his court listening to the needs of
the people. Solomon could feel God already filling his heart
with wisdom and compassion. That day, two prostitutes came to
the king to have their arguments settled. One of the
women was holding a new born child while the other
(07:34):
scowled at her. Solomon could already sense the situation before
it unfolded. The woman not holding the child spoke saying, please,
my lord. This woman I lived with gave birth to
a child the same week. However, her baby died in
the middle of the night when she rolled over it.
She got up in the middle of the night while
I was asleep, and took my child and left the
(07:55):
dead child lying in my arms. Tears began to stream
down the woman's face. When I tried to nurse the child,
he was dead. When I looked closely, I found that
it was not my child but hers. She stole my baby.
The other woman snapped instantly and said, of course it
was your son. The living child is mine. No, the
(08:17):
other woman yelled. The two of them argued back and
forth before Solomon. He stood there quietly, wondering how he
could truly know who the child belonged to. Solomon had
an idea to discern the hearts of the mothers, but
it would risk him looking like a heartless animal. Nevertheless,
it was the only way to judge the hearts of
these two women. Bring me a sword, Solomon gestured to
(08:41):
a servant. The servant brought him a long sword, and
Solomon stepped closer to the two women and the child.
Since neither of you can agree, I will cut this
living child into two pieces. As Solomon spoke these words,
he looked closely into the eyes of each woman. Of course,
he would not harm the child, but he desired to
see the immediate reactions of both women. He only had
(09:04):
a moment to read them both. As the words were
leaving Solomon's lips. One of the women shouted, no, no, no,
my Lord, give her the child. If it means it
gets to live, please do not kill him. That sentence
was all Solomon needed to discern who the real mother was.
For the other woman seemed to be more okay with
the idea of killing the child. Of course, I will
(09:26):
not kill the child, Solomon said. Give the baby to
this woman who wants him to live. She is clearly
the real mother. The women left, and their story reached
the ears of every Israelite. They knew that Solomon was
a king able to discern truth and justice. Slowly, under
Solomon's rule, a great deal of peace and wealth spread
(09:49):
across the land.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Today's passage begins in the distant but familiar land of Egypt.
Solomon had traveled to the neighboring country with an important mission.
He knew that Israel was not meant to be isolated
and constantly at war with the rest of the world.
God's plan for Israel was for them to bless other
nations also, and what better way to bless another nation
(10:16):
and build peace than with an alliance with a former enemy.
When he returned home, Solomon went to the altar of
God to offer sacrifices. David had taught him in word
and deed that he should honor God above all and
walk with him, and so Solomon went often to God's alter.
One night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and
(10:38):
asked Solomon what he should give him. There were no conditions, stipulations,
or boundaries to the request. God wanted to know what
Solomon desired most. Solomon's response is remarkable. He first acknowledged
God's greatness, his love, and his steadfastness to David and
to himself. Then he acknowledged his own shortcom his youth
(11:00):
and inexperience, and the monumental task before him. Only then
did Solomon make his requests. Listen to what he said
in First Kings three verse nine, Give your servant therefore
an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may
discern between good and evil. For who is able to
(11:21):
govern this your great people. Solomon did not ask to
be strong and mighty like his father, or rich and
famous as many kings sought to become. He did not
ask for a long life, for great influence and power.
Solomon asked for a discerning mind and a heart sensitive
to God's guidance. It's no wonder that later in his
(11:43):
life this man would pin words of advice for his
young men to seek after wisdom like silver and hidden treasure.
He understood that all the wealth, power, and health and
fame in the world would be worthless without the wisdom
to use it properly for God's purposes. Because he for
wisdom rather than the other things one might have expected,
(12:04):
God promised to grant him wisdom unsurpassed in history by
any other. But he would also bless him with wealth
and influence and so much more. And if Solomon would
walk in God's ways as his father David had, God
would give him a long and prosperous life. When Solomon
awoke from his dream, he went to Jerusalem immediately to
(12:25):
the Ark of the Covenant, where he worshiped God with
offerings and then prepared a feast for his servants. It
didn't take long for Solomon's wisdom to be put to
the test. One day, two women appeared before him with
an argument. One woman claimed the other had swapped the
dead child for her own living son and was trying
to steal the baby. The other woman called her a liar.
(12:48):
Solomon pondered a solution, and what he came up with
was as shocking as it was brilliant. He told them
that since they could not agree, he would simply cut
the child in half and each could have one peace.
One mother quickly begged him to spare the baby, to
simply give it to the other woman lest he kill
(13:09):
a child. The other woman, however, insisted that they follow
Solomon's proposal and split the child in two. At that moment,
Solomon knew the heart of a mother would rather lose
her child to another than see him killed, so he
ruled in favor of the first mother. Word did This
ruling spread throughout Israel, and the people knew they had
(13:30):
a king who could desern right from wrong and good
from evil. This was the man God chose to rule
his people, and, as we'll soon find out, to build
his temple also. So let's pray Dear God, we thank
you for today's scripture as always for your Word, which
is light and life to our lives. We pray, o God,
(13:52):
that we would always seek your wisdom beyond earthly things.
May we ask for eternal things, that we would know
your heart, your will, and discern your ways for our lives.
Thank you for your wisdom, God, in all that we do. Amen.
Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast.
I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download thepray dot com
(14:16):
app and make sure that prayer and Bible reading is
a priority in your life. If you enjoyed this podcast,
let someone else know, share it with someone you love,
and let's get the Word of God out to many,
many people. And if you want more resources as to
how you can learn and live the Christian life, be
(14:36):
sure to visit Jack Graham dot org. That's Jack Graham
dot org.
Let us pray and God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding
exceeding much and largeness of heart, even as the sand
is on the sea shore. First Kings, four twenty nine.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are constantly available
for me to draw from the well of your wisdom.
(00:22):
Like Solomon in today's reading of First Kings, I ask
that you give me divine understanding in all matters that
pertain to life, business, and relationships, because your understanding is
greater than mine. As I tap into this new power source,
I'm excited because I will understand situations like you do.
(00:45):
I can now have access to divine understanding in the
matters of business, even if I am new to the industry.
Increase the understanding in my life when it comes to
leading others and in the matters of giving advice. May
my speech be seasoned and well placed. May my actions
(01:05):
be calculative and precise. Thank you Lord that because I
have opened my heart to you and your ways, I
will never be without understanding as long as I rest
and rely on You. I declare that I am stepping
into the greatest season of understanding and wisdom in my life.
(01:27):
In Jesus name. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today.
Continue listening for an incredible Bible story brought to you
by Bible in a Year dot.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Com Solomon's God given wisdom. In our last story, the
great reign of David came to a close. David ruled
over Israel for forty years and blessed the entire nation
(02:04):
with his bravery, leadership, and love for God. Now it
was Solomon's duty to rule over Israel with wisdom, mercy,
and justice. As his first act as king, Solomon took
care of those who were loyal to his father and
dealt justly with those who betrayed him. Now we watch
the heart of Solomon connected to the heart of God
(02:25):
in a unique way. His desire for wisdom over riches
and influence sparks God's loyalty and blessing. Inspired by the
Book of First Kings and Second Chronicles.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the
Bible in a Year. In our last time together, we
heard how David left final words of encouragement and instruction
for Solomon before he died. After David's death, Solomon set
about dealing with those who had betrayed his father and him,
and blessing those who proved loyalty Israel and to its leader.
(03:02):
Already we caught glimpses of a man wise beyond his years,
but that was just the beginning. Today we'll learn how
Solomon pursued godly wisdom, choosing it over wealth and status.
God is pleased by the heart of the young king
and blesses him in a very special way. Solomon's wisdom
will become something of renown throughout his kingdom as he
(03:24):
listens to his people and discerns right from wrong and
good from evil. So let's listen now to today's scripture.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Solomon sat in the palace courtyard of Pharaoh, King of Egypt.
The hot Egyptian sun beat down on his back, causing
a slight drip of sweat to fall down his neck.
Solomon was there for a very specific purpose. He knew
that in order for Israel to thrive, it could not
just battle other countries. Some alliances had to be made
(03:55):
for the preservation of their culture. So, in the heat
of day in the palace of Pharaoh, Solomon married one
of Pharaoh's daughters as a symbol of political union. Trade
with Egypt would prove useful, since Solomon had big plans
to build a great temple for the Lord, just as
his father David dreamed of. Solomon returned from Egypt ecstatic
(04:15):
at his new union with Egypt. There was something redemptive
about an alliance with past enemies. Solomon felt a sense
of purpose in creating allies instead of enemies. He made
his way to Gibeon to worship God and get guidance
and direction for next steps. He was still a young
man and incredibly inexperienced. He knew that answers were found
(04:37):
at the altar of God. The sun was beginning to set,
and Solomon sacrificed one thousand burnt offerings to the Lord.
Music and incense filled the room. As Solomon breathed out
sweet praises to God. A smile fell upon his face,
and he returned home. The night was calm, and there
was no breeze or sound in all of Israel. The
(04:59):
stars shone brightly, and Solomon was deep asleep in his bed.
He shifted slightly in his bed, experiencing a dream more
vivid and real than any other. Solomon stood before the Lord.
He could not see him, but know he was there.
What do you want most, Solomon heard the Lord ask
ask in it will be given to you. Solomon paused
(05:22):
for a moment. He looked up and said, you showed
my father faithful love since the beginning. He was honest
and truly faithful to you, and you have continued your
love for him by allowing me to sit on this throne.
Solomon began to choke up, trying to capture the right words. Now,
my God, you have made me king, and I am
(05:44):
like a little child stumbling about, But you have placed
me in the midst of your chosen people. They are
a nation so great and so vast that they cannot
be fully counted. Solomon paused again, this time kneeling before
God with his hands spread over and wide. Please give
me an understanding heart in wisdom to govern your people well.
(06:06):
Allow me to know the true difference between right and wrong,
good and evil, curses and blessings. There is no man
that can govern these people without you by their side.
Solomon finished his request and sat at the feet of
God for a long time. The Lord was very pleased
with Solomon's request. He could have asked for riches, success, power,
(06:30):
or victory over enemies. However, Solomon simply asked for a
discerning and loving heart. God replied to Solomon, saying, because
you have asked for wisdom instead of a long life
for wealth, I will give you all you have asked
for and more. The joy of God was palpable, and
Solomon could feel it welling up in his chest. I
(06:52):
will give you a wise heart, and no other ruler
in history will match your mind. I will also give
you more than you have asked for, with riches, fame,
and prosperity. All that I asked is that you follow
me with your whole heart, as your father did. And
before Solomon could look up at the Lord, he awoke
from his dream. He rose out of his bed and
(07:13):
worshiped God alongside the governors of Israel. Soon after, Solomon
was sitting in his court listening to the needs of
the people. Solomon could feel God already filling his heart
with wisdom and compassion. That day, two prostitutes came to
the king to have their arguments settled. One of the
women was holding a new born child while the other
(07:34):
scowled at her. Solomon could already sense the situation before
it unfolded. The woman not holding the child spoke saying, please,
my lord. This woman I lived with gave birth to
a child the same week. However, her baby died in
the middle of the night when she rolled over it.
She got up in the middle of the night while
I was asleep, and took my child and left the
(07:55):
dead child lying in my arms. Tears began to stream
down the woman's face. When I tried to nurse the child,
he was dead. When I looked closely, I found that
it was not my child but hers. She stole my baby.
The other woman snapped instantly and said, of course it
was your son. The living child is mine. No, the
(08:17):
other woman yelled. The two of them argued back and
forth before Solomon. He stood there quietly, wondering how he
could truly know who the child belonged to. Solomon had
an idea to discern the hearts of the mothers, but
it would risk him looking like a heartless animal. Nevertheless,
it was the only way to judge the hearts of
these two women. Bring me a sword, Solomon gestured to
(08:41):
a servant. The servant brought him a long sword, and
Solomon stepped closer to the two women and the child.
Since neither of you can agree, I will cut this
living child into two pieces. As Solomon spoke these words,
he looked closely into the eyes of each woman. Of course,
he would not harm the child, but he desired to
see the immediate reactions of both women. He only had
(09:04):
a moment to read them both. As the words were
leaving Solomon's lips. One of the women shouted, no, no, no,
my Lord, give her the child. If it means it
gets to live, please do not kill him. That sentence
was all Solomon needed to discern who the real mother was.
For the other woman seemed to be more okay with
the idea of killing the child. Of course, I will
(09:26):
not kill the child, Solomon said. Give the baby to
this woman who wants him to live. She is clearly
the real mother. The women left, and their story reached
the ears of every Israelite. They knew that Solomon was
a king able to discern truth and justice. Slowly, under
Solomon's rule, a great deal of peace and wealth spread
(09:49):
across the land.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Today's passage begins in the distant but familiar land of Egypt.
Solomon had traveled to the neighboring country with an important mission.
He knew that Israel was not meant to be isolated
and constantly at war with the rest of the world.
God's plan for Israel was for them to bless other
nations also, and what better way to bless another nation
(10:16):
and build peace than with an alliance with a former enemy.
When he returned home, Solomon went to the altar of
God to offer sacrifices. David had taught him in word
and deed that he should honor God above all and
walk with him, and so Solomon went often to God's alter.
One night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and
(10:38):
asked Solomon what he should give him. There were no conditions, stipulations,
or boundaries to the request. God wanted to know what
Solomon desired most. Solomon's response is remarkable. He first acknowledged
God's greatness, his love, and his steadfastness to David and
to himself. Then he acknowledged his own shortcom his youth
(11:00):
and inexperience, and the monumental task before him. Only then
did Solomon make his requests. Listen to what he said
in First Kings three verse nine, Give your servant therefore
an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may
discern between good and evil. For who is able to
(11:21):
govern this your great people. Solomon did not ask to
be strong and mighty like his father, or rich and
famous as many kings sought to become. He did not
ask for a long life, for great influence and power.
Solomon asked for a discerning mind and a heart sensitive
to God's guidance. It's no wonder that later in his
(11:43):
life this man would pin words of advice for his
young men to seek after wisdom like silver and hidden treasure.
He understood that all the wealth, power, and health and
fame in the world would be worthless without the wisdom
to use it properly for God's purposes. Because he for
wisdom rather than the other things one might have expected,
(12:04):
God promised to grant him wisdom unsurpassed in history by
any other. But he would also bless him with wealth
and influence and so much more. And if Solomon would
walk in God's ways as his father David had, God
would give him a long and prosperous life. When Solomon
awoke from his dream, he went to Jerusalem immediately to
(12:25):
the Ark of the Covenant, where he worshiped God with
offerings and then prepared a feast for his servants. It
didn't take long for Solomon's wisdom to be put to
the test. One day, two women appeared before him with
an argument. One woman claimed the other had swapped the
dead child for her own living son and was trying
to steal the baby. The other woman called her a liar.
(12:48):
Solomon pondered a solution, and what he came up with
was as shocking as it was brilliant. He told them
that since they could not agree, he would simply cut
the child in half and each could have one peace.
One mother quickly begged him to spare the baby, to
simply give it to the other woman lest he kill
(13:09):
a child. The other woman, however, insisted that they follow
Solomon's proposal and split the child in two. At that moment,
Solomon knew the heart of a mother would rather lose
her child to another than see him killed, so he
ruled in favor of the first mother. Word did This
ruling spread throughout Israel, and the people knew they had
(13:30):
a king who could desern right from wrong and good
from evil. This was the man God chose to rule
his people, and, as we'll soon find out, to build
his temple also. So let's pray Dear God, we thank
you for today's scripture as always for your Word, which
is light and life to our lives. We pray, o God,
(13:52):
that we would always seek your wisdom beyond earthly things.
May we ask for eternal things, that we would know
your heart, your will, and discern your ways for our lives.
Thank you for your wisdom, God, in all that we do. Amen.
Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast.
I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download thepray dot com
(14:16):
app and make sure that prayer and Bible reading is
a priority in your life. If you enjoyed this podcast,
let someone else know, share it with someone you love,
and let's get the Word of God out to many,
many people. And if you want more resources as to
how you can learn and live the Christian life, be
(14:36):
sure to visit Jack Graham dot org. That's Jack Graham
dot org.
Host
Jack Graham
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