I Kings Lesson 1 – God’s Gives Solomon Wisdom

1. What commands did David give to Solomon before he died?

Be strong and keep the commands of God that he gave to Moses. If Solomon keeps the commands, he will be blessed and will have a long reign as king and will live a long time.

2. Who does Solomon marry? Is this a good idea? Why or why not?

Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter. This was a terrible idea because this woman and a lot of foreign women later would turn his heart away from God. Solomon was supposed to choose a wife from the people of Israel, not Egypt.

3. What were the three things that God said a king should not getting more of? Why?

Riches, Wives, and Horses. Or, gold, girls, and giddy-up. Each of these three things would draw the king’s heart from trusting in God, to trusting in himself. The king would trust in his wealth, his marriage alliances, and in his army to save him from enemies. He was supposed to trust in God as the KING to deliver him.

4. When God comes to Solomon in a dream, what does Solomon ask for?

Solomon asks God for a mind that can understand good from evil. God gives Solomon wisdom to know how to govern the people of Israel and to know what is good and what is evil. Just because Solomon knew good from evil doesn’t always mean he chose to do good instead of evil. In this way, Solomon is kind of like Adam, because Adam knew good from evil too, but only after he disobeyed God. God also promises to give Solomon a kingdom, honor, safety, land, rest, and a long life.

5. How does this point to Jesus?

In Matthew 12, Jesus says that something greater than Solomon is here. Jesus was the true Son of David that will reign forever on the throne. Jesus will always do the will of his Father and Jesus’ rule and reign will never end. Jesus knows good from evil too, like Solomon, but Jesus will always do what is good. He is the King that has wisdom forever. If we give our lives to him and bow to him in our hearts as Lord and Savior, we will get to reign with him in his coming kingdom. What a gift!