This morning, I was reading 1 Kings chapters 3 and 4. Verse 3 in chapter 3 says, “And Solomon loved the Lord,” … (NKJV) He went to make a sacrifice to God, and the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night (v5).
God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” Solomon responds to the Lord in verses 6-9…. V.7 .. “You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in….” v9… “Therefore, give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” (BSB)
In verses 10-14 God answers Solomon: Verse 10 says, “Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. (v11) So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— (v12) behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you.
(13) Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. (14) So if you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments, just as your father David did, I will prolong your days.” (BSB)
When Solomon made his request, he asked for “an understanding heart…” 1 Kings 3:9 (NKJV)
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The Hebrew word for “understanding” in this verse is (transliteration) “shama.” Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon states: “The Hebrew verb “shama” primarily means “to hear” or “to listen.” It extends beyond the mere act of hearing to include understanding, paying attention, and responding appropriately, often implying obedience. In the biblical context, “shama” is frequently used to describe the act of listening to God’s voice, commandments, or instructions, and it often carries the connotation of obedience as a response to hearing.”
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Solomon asked to be able to hear and listen to the Lord, that he may obey Him. God was pleased with his request and responded, “behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart….” (v.12 NKJV)
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The Hebrew word for wise in this verse (v12) is (transliteration) “chakam,” which means wise, skillful, learned. Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon for this word summarizes:
“The Hebrew word “chakam” primarily denotes wisdom, skill, or expertise. It is used to describe individuals who possess wisdom in various contexts, including practical skills, moral insight, and intellectual understanding. In the Old Testament, “chakam” often refers to those who are wise in heart, possessing a deep understanding of God’s ways and the ability to apply knowledge effectively in life.”
And the Hebrew word for understanding in this verse is (transliteration) “biyn,” which means “to understand, discern, perceive, consider.” According to Strong’s Lexicon, “the Hebrew verb “biyn” primarily conveys the idea of understanding or discerning. It involves the mental process of distinguishing between different elements, grasping their significance, and making informed decisions. This term is often used in contexts where comprehension and insight are necessary, whether in interpreting dreams, understanding laws, or discerning moral and spiritual truths.”
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God, in His pleasure with Solomon’s request, gave Solomon what he asked, and more!
1 Kings 4 details the officials that served in Solomon’s kingdom, as well as the boundaries, resources and (v24) notes that “he had peace on every side all around him.” (NKJV)
In 1 Kings 4:29: (CJB) God gave Shlomo exceptional wisdom and understanding, as well as a heart as vast as the sandy beach by the sea.
1 Kings 4:29 (NKJV): And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.
(I find value in reading multiple scripture translations to develop a full picture of the Hebrew words’ meanings. Most of the time, there is not a direct, one to one word translation of the Hebrew word to an English word.)
The words …. “Largeness of heart” captured me when I read v.29, in the NKJV. Several other translations say “breadth of mind, like the sand on the sea shore;” “measureless;” and “vast” as the sands on the sea shore;” and “understanding beyond measure.”
Father, that we would live and move and have our being in You, with “largeness of heart!”
….. In the next blog we will explore wisdom in several other verses, including:
Isaiah 11:1-3
Proverbs 9:10
Psalm 111:10
