Growing up knowing the history between mom and dad, I was unsure what my future would hold. Dad was a well-respected leader and had a special relationship with God, even though the way he and mom met was a definite low point in what many saw as a blameless life.
Dad repented and truly sought after God’s heart. And hearing all the promises that dad said would come about because he believed God’s Word was inspiring. However, it made me more nervous when one of those promises declared me the next king…
My name is Solomon and I was scared. Many of my brothers wanted to be king and yet I was the one chosen to carry on the family name, the legacy of faithful rule by following God.
Therefore, when God clarified my appointment and asked me what I wanted, in a dream, I asked for wisdom—understanding and discernment with which to govern his people. God was so pleased with my request that he granted me wisdom, as well as riches and honor beyond measure (1 Kings 3:5-14).
One of the first tests of my wisdom was also one of the most memorable… Two women came to me, both claiming to be the mother of the same baby. As they fought over the child and presented their case, God provided me with insight—wisdom with which to make a ruling. I suggested that we cut the baby in half and give each woman half of the child. The true mother cried out, “No! She can have the baby. Don´t hurt him!” Her willingness to sacrifice was a clear demonstration of the love she had for what was rightfully her child.
This story of wisdom, and many others, became known throughout Israel and among other nations. Many came to visit and see for themselves.
I shared much of my wisdom and wrote about it. Too bad I didn’t practice some of what I preached…
Stay tuned for more of Solomon’s story and the wisdom God granted him in the blog posts over the next two days.