Famous as Solomon was for his great building program, his desire for wisdom was perhaps more typical of him. Early in his reign he had a God-given opportunity to further this desire. He had already shown evidence of his love for the Lord and his obedience to the statutes promulgated by his father, David. Now at the sanctuary of Gibeon he saw the Lord appear to him in a dream and proclaim, "Ask what I shall give thee" (I Kings 3:5).
Before making his request, Solomon proved his humility and his preparedness for the great gifts awaiting him. He expressed deep gratitude for the divine goodness and protection shown him and his royal father. As far as he was concerned, he felt little more than an infant in the handling of the wide domain he had inherited.
"I am but a little child," he cried, in the vein of Moses before him (see Ex. 3:11) and of Jeremiah at a later date (see Jer. 1:6). "I know not how to go out or come in. . . . Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad" (I Kings 3: 7-9) . His plea was abundantly granted. Not only did he receive a wise and understanding heart but also honor and riches, which he had not requested.
