Previous: [[Meditation on 1 Kings 2|1 Kings 2]] In this chapter, there is an account of Solomon’s request to God for wisdom, and an exercise of the wisdom he is granted in a civil case. At the start, Solomon is said to have made affinity with the king of Egypt and taken his daughter to wife. This is perhaps the beginning of Solomon’s faults later. In the law, the king of Israel was directed not to return to Egypt in the interests of economic prosperity. Perhaps this daughter of Pharaoh was converted to Jehovah’s religion. I read little else of her. Great sins may start as small mistakes. I should be perfectly on my guard and understand the consequences of every action. When the Israelites came into the land, they were commanded to destroy all of the high places of the peoples that were in the land, but here it is said that the people worshipped God in the high places. Even Solomon goes up to “the great high place.” At this time, they only had the tabernacle at Jerusalem. Maybe they thought that this was too primitive or humble for Jehovah’s glory. We should not worship God according to what we think is best, but according to what he says in his word. The high places were a very traditional place to worship, but tradition is also no excuse for false worship. Perhaps Solomon was convicted of this after he met with God, because afterwards he returns to Jerusalem and offers sacrifice before the ark of the covenant. It seems strange that the Lord would appear to Solomon while he is in the midst of deficient worship practices. It is possible to worship God in a false manner with good intention. It seems that God in his mercy may cover such imperfections for Christ’s sake, and visit his people to bless them. This is something to keep in mind regarding churches who do not worship God in accordance with the regulative principle. Errors should be reproved and corrected, but not in a way that casts the worshippers out of the grace of God and the love of Jesus Christ. The Lord asks Solomon what he desired from him. Solomon does not ask for riches or success, but for wisdom to rule the people. The wisdom of God is worth far more than all the riches of the world. Those who have God’s wisdom are often blessed in other material things, as God promises Solomon here. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you,” Matt. 6:33. An example is given of Solomon’s wisdom in the story of the two harlots and their children. The woman whose child died attempts to steal the other. We can have such an attachment to our legacy or family, that we lie and steal to preserve it. The woman should rather have turned from her evil way, since God promises that he sets such in families, Psalm 68:6. Solomon decrees that the child be split in two and divided to each woman. The true mother would rather give up her child than to see it be killed, while the other woman is content with the judgement. If a harlot can be so tenderly affected by the life of her child, why does it seem that so many more outwardly moral people in our day are not? Many consider children to be a burden and a nuisance, and are ready to be rid of them or have someone else be their caretaker. Those “without natural affection,” Rom. 1:31, show themselves to be no true parents. God gives a comfort to those who have been withheld from the love of a parent. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up,” Psalm 27:10. May God help me seek first his righteousness and wisdom, worship him in truth, and grow in love and care for my children. Next: [[Meditation on 1 Kings 4|1 Kings 4]]