1 Kings 3:9-15 "'Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people..."

"'Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?' It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, 'Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your work. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.' Then Solomon awoke; it had been a dream. He came to Jerusalem where he stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. He offered up burnt offerings and offerings of well-being, and provided a feast for all his servants" (1 Kings 3:9-15 NRSV).

Comment:

Up to this point Solomon's rule has been bumpy at best. His earnest efforts to solve problems himself have produced decidedly mixed results. This dream, and his willingness to act on its message, marks a clear turning point in his rule of the kingdom. He could have asked for wealth, power, military might—specific solutions to some of the nation's perceived problems.  Instead he asks for understanding (some translations say “an understanding mind,” others “an understanding heart”)—the innate ability to see God's will in all things, to discern the spiritually right choice in all challenges. That power is already within him, as it is in each and all of us. It is a part of the energy that is the Lord of his being, the Christ Presence of God. By choosing to affirm this power, to make it his greatest priority, he not only gains the understanding, but the prosperous, loving life that will express as a result of his understanding choices. It is so for us as well:  by turning to the divine power of understanding within us, we will experience a life of peace, clarity and joy.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed