Lesson 86: 1 Kings 3:9
1 Kings 3:9
The Blueprint — The Verse
So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Solomon became king at Gibeon early in his reign, a high place where sacrifices were offered before the temple was built. Israel's monarchy was at its widest influence, requiring wisdom beyond youth.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
God appeared in a dream and offered Solomon any request. Instead of wealth or long life, Solomon asked for a listening heart to judge God's great people—a request that pleased the LORD.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
1 Kings 3:8
8Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (1 Kings 3:8) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
1 Kings 3:10
10The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (1 Kings 3:10) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- Why did God honor Solomon's request for wisdom?
- What would you ask if God offered one gift?
- How do leaders discern right from wrong today?