Monday, September 9 – Psalms 72, 2 Chronicles 1 – Additional Reading, Prophets and Kings, Chapter 1, “Solomon”

1. What did Solomon go to visit in Gibeon? (2 Chronicles 1:3)

2. What did Solomon ask from God? (2 Chronicles 1:10)

3. What quality did Solomon demonstrate when he asked for wisdom? (2 Chronicles 1:10)

Commentary and Reflection:

Psalm 72 is a song of prayer and praise written by David for his son Solomon at the beginning of his reign. It marks the conclusion of David’s prayers. What an excellent way to end one’s life—praising God and offering prayers for the next generation. Solomon was not just inheriting a kingdom; he was receiving a spiritual legacy. We will all one day utter our final words, and how wonderful it would be if they were a blessing and prayer for our children.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states, “Ps. 72 is the portrait of an ideal king in an ideal kingdom, in part, at least, foreshadowing and describing the kingship and kingdom of Christ, the Messiah (see PK 686). It portrays the character of the king and the nature, extent, and permanency of His kingdom. This beautiful descriptive poem, which closes Book Two of the Psalter, was probably composed by David for his son Solomon on his accession to the throne, as an incentive to consecrated rulership. It breathes the spirit of David’s last words, as recorded in 2 Sam. 23:1-5. “Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ” (PP 754); cf. PP 755). Portions of this psalm were often sung by Christ (see EGW, Supplementary Material, on Ps. 66:1-5).” SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 72

One of Solomon’s first acts was to convene a great assembly at the sanctuary in Gibeon, where the tent of the Exodus Tabernacle was located. Solomon gathered all of Israel, including princes and heads of families, to come before the Lord and offer sacrifices. This powerful message to the people set the direction for Solomon’s reign.

God looked favorably at Solomon, accepting the sacrifice. That night, God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (2 Chronicles 1:7). If God came to you tonight with this question, what would you ask for? How many things would be on your list?

Solomon was ready with his answer, he had thought about it. He asked for wisdom and knowledge, not success, victory over enemies, greatness, or wealth. This impressed God. Solomon wasn’t thinking of himself but of the calling he had received. He sought the preparation necessary to fulfill God’s will.

“Those who today occupy positions of trust should seek to learn the lesson taught by Solomon’s prayer. The higher the position a man occupies, the greater the responsibility that he has to bear, the wider will be the influence that he exerts and the greater his need of dependence on God. Ever should he remember that with the call to work comes the call to walk circumspectly before his fellow men. He is to stand before God in the attitude of a learner. Position does not give holiness of character. It is by honoring God and obeying his commands that a man is made truly great.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 30).

Wisdom is often defined as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.” Good judgment is a key element of wisdom.

” A Christian is one who trusts the wits and the wisdom of God, and not his own wits. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and the leisureliness which ought to characterize the children of God.” (Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest”, August 5th).

The Bible promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Recognizing our lack of wisdom is itself an act of wisdom. This is a prayer that God promises to answer generously.

With wisdom and knowledge came prosperity and peace to Solomon’s kingdom. There was much trade, and Solomon was blessed with wisdom and wealth.

“Although there is a widespread belief that material wealth is a source of happiness, evidence does not confirm this idea. The work by Nickerson and colleagues published in Psychological Science (2003) describes the attitudes of 12,000 university students before and after two decades. Those who had expressed materialistic aspirations during their student years (their primary goal was making money) showed less life satisfaction twenty years later than non-materialists.” (Adult Morning Devotional, March 20, 2020).

Above all, ask God for wisdom. He will give it abundantly.