At the end of David’s life in chapters 28-29, he sought to further prepare his son to rule over his people and to prepare him and his people to serve the Lord. He not only mentioned the benefits of remaining faithful to the Lord but also the curses for disobedience. In chapters 1-2, Solomon is granted wisdom and begins preparation for the building of temple as his father entrusted him.
This passage brings a passage in one of Paul’s letters to my mind where he encourages Timothy to continue to remain faithful by saying, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Paul is referring to how Timothy’s mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, had raised him. Solomon had been raised by David in a similar way and was now being entrusted with the work of the Lord. Many of us have had the blessing of being taught from childhood by loved ones and should find motivation in the memory of them to be faithful to what they taught us. Even those who were not raised by Christian parents have those who evangelized and discipled them and a great cloud of witnesses.
Solomon asked for wisdom and it was given to him. We should also ask for wisdom without doubting. Solomon’s request for wisdom is certainly applicable to us because James said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10a), and those who fear the Lord have repented (and repent) of their sins and trust in Christ.