EGW Writings1 Kings 3

Conflict and Courage

What an Epitaph! July 5

CC 192.1

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6:17.

CC 192.2

Many who started out in life with as fair and promising a morning, in their limited sphere, as Solomon had in his exalted station, through one false and irrevocable step in the marriage relation, lose their souls, and draw others down to ruin with them. As Solomon’s wives turned his heart away from God to idolatry, so do frivolous companions, who have no depth of principle, turn away the hearts of those who were once noble and true, to vanity, corrupting pleasures, and downright vice.12The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1031.

CC 192.3

Solomon flattered himself that his wisdom and the power of his example would lead his wives from idolatry to the worship of the true God, and also that the alliances thus formed would draw the nations round about into close touch with Israel. Vain hope! Solomon’s mistake in regarding himself as strong enough to resist the influence of heathen associates was fatal. And fatal, too, the deception that led him to hope that notwithstanding a disregard of God’s law on his part, others might be led to revere and obey its sacred precepts.13Prophets and Kings, 54.

CC 192.4

Let the sad memory of Solomon’s apostasy warn every soul to shun the same precipice.... The greatest king that ever wielded a scepter, of whom it had been said that he was the beloved of God, through misplaced affection became contaminated and was miserably forsaken of his God. The mightiest ruler of the earth had failed to rule his own passions. Solomon may have been saved “as by fire,” yet his repentance could not efface those high places, nor demolish those stones, which remained as evidences of his crimes. He dishonored God, choosing rather to be controlled by lust than to be a partaker of the divine nature. What a legacy Solomon’s life has committed to those who would use his example to cover their own base actions. We must either transmit a heritage of good or evil. Shall our lives and our example be a blessing or a curse? Shall people look at our graves and say, He ruined me, or, He saved me? 14The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1031.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Warning and Solomon’s First Wrong Step

SS 27.1

In seeking to strengthen his relations with the powerful kingdom south of Israel, Solomon ventured on forbidden ground. Satan knew the results that would attend obedience; and he sought to undermine Solomon’s loyalty to principle and to cause him to separate from God. “Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt; he took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David.” 1 Kings 3:1, RSV.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 3—Pride of Prosperity

PK 53.1

In seeking to strengthen his relations with the powerful kingdom lying to the southward of Israel, Solomon ventured upon forbidden ground. Satan knew the results that would attend obedience; and during the earlier years of Solomon’s reign—years glorious because of the wisdom, the beneficence, and the uprightness of the king—he sought to bring in influences that would insidiously undermine Solomon’s loyalty to principle and cause him to separate from God. That the enemy was successful in this effort, we know from the record: “Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the City of David.” 1 Kings 3:1.

PK 57.2

Solomon’s course brought its sure penalty. His separation from God through communication with idolaters was his ruin. As he cast off his allegiance to God, he lost the mastery of himself. His moral efficiency was gone. His fine sensibilities became blunted, his conscience seared. He who in his early reign had displayed so much wisdom and sympathy in restoring a helpless babe to its unfortunate mother (see 1 Kings 3:16-28), fell so low as to consent to the erection of an idol to whom living children were offered as sacrifices. He who in his youth was endowed with discretion and understanding, and who in his strong manhood had been inspired to write, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12), in later years departed so far from purity as to countenance licentious, revolting rites connected with the worship of Chemosh and Ashtoreth. He who at the dedication of the temple had said to his people, “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God” (1 Kings 8:61), became himself an offender, in heart and life denying his own words. He mistook license for liberty. He tried—but at what cost!—to unite light with darkness, good with evil, purity with impurity, Christ with Belial.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 5, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 5, 1912, par. 1

This morning I awoke long before daylight. We are passing out of the desert into a more fertile country of vast prairies. My mind is much exercised. In the night season I seem to be speaking to companies of people. The subject that is impressing my mind is found in the third chapter of First Kings:

25LtMs, Ms 5, 1912, par. 3

“And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place; and a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on this throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great people? And the thing pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then will I lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream.” [Verses 1-15.]

25LtMs, Ms 5, 1912, par. 8

To return to Solomon: he knew that it would take much time to carry out the grand designs given for the building of the temple; and before building the house of the Lord or the walls about Jerusalem, he should have prepared a temporary place of worship for the people of God. He should not have encouraged them, by his own example, to go to the high places to offer sacrifice. But we read, “Only the people of Israel sacrificed in high places.” [1 Kings 3:2.] This is mentioned as a matter that should have been otherwise.

Prayer

Hezekiah

Pr 142.3

Hezekiah Prayed for the Remnant of Israel—“This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy,” was the word the king sent. “It may be the Lord thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the Lord thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.” Verses 3, 4.

Conflict and Courage

As a Little Child, July 2

CC 189.1

I am but a little child.... Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people. 1 Kings 3:7, 9.

CC 189.2

The language used by Solomon while praying to God before the ancient altar at Gibeon reveals his humility and his strong desire to honor God. He realized that without divine aid he was as helpless as a little child to fulfill the responsibilities resting on him. He knew that he lacked discernment, and it was a sense of his great need that led him to seek God for wisdom. In his heart there was no selfish aspiration for a knowledge that would exalt him above others. He desired to discharge faithfully the duties devolving upon him, and he chose the gift that would be the means of causing his reign to bring glory to God. Solomon was never so rich or so wise or so truly great as when he confessed, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.”

CC 189.3

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.6Prophets and Kings, 30, 31.

CC 189.4

Our petitions to God should not proceed from hearts that are filled with selfish aspirations. God exhorts us to choose those gifts that will redound to His glory. He would have us choose the heavenly instead of the earthly. He throws open before us the possibilities and advantages of a heavenly commerce. He gives encouragement to our loftiest aims, security to our choicest treasure. When the worldly possession is swept away, the believer will rejoice in his heavenly treasure, the riches that cannot be lost in any earthly disaster.7The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1026.

From Splendor to Shadow

Solomon’s Dream From God

SS 14.4

“And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” 1 Kings 3:5-14; see also 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 21, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, par. 7

“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life: neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart: so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among all the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” [1 Kings 3:5-14.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 944—Luther Warren and Work in New York City

12MR 100.3

Let us all offer the prayer, “Lord, give Thy servants an understanding heart” (see 1 Kings 3:9).

12MR 100.4

Solomon called himself the Lord’s servant, pleased that he could sustain this relation to the King of kings. [1 Kings 3:5-9 quoted.]

12MR 100.5

God gave this prayer to Solomon as a sample prayer, appropriate for all, high and low, rich and poor. God said to Solomon: [1 Kings 3:11-14 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 164, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 164, 1902, par. 1

“In Gibeon the Lord appeared unto Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth and righteousness and in uprightness of heart with Thee and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord, my God, Thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child; I know not how to come out or go in. And Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people, which Thou hast chosen, a great people that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?” [1 Kings 3:5-9.]

17LtMs, Ms 164, 1902, par. 2

“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself; nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words; lo, I have given thee a wise and understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall there any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor; so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then will I lengthen thy days.” [Verses 10-14.]

17LtMs, Ms 164, 1902, par. 4

“If thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes, and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then will I lengthen thy days.” [Verse 14.] Several times during his reign, David walked in the counsel of his own heart and greatly injured his influence by following his impulses. But he always received the words of reproof sent to him by the Lord. These words cut him to the quick. He did not seek to evade the matter, but bore the punishment of his transgression, saying, “I have sinned.” [2 Samuel 12:13.]

17LtMs, Ms 164, 1902, par. 8

The Lord was testing Solomon. He placed in his mind a desire for the things that would enable him to rule wisely the people of Israel. And guided by this desire, Solomon said, “O Lord, my God, ... I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in. And Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered, nor counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.” [1 Kings 3:7-9.] It was such a prayer as this that Solomon was continually to offer in the days of exaltation and glory awaiting him. And thus those who today are standing in positions of trust in the Lord’s work are to pray. Let them beware of lifting up their hearts unto vanity. Only the prayers of those whose hearts are not filled with self-exaltation and haughtiness will the Lord hear. “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity.” [Isaiah 58:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 104, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 17

Let us all offer the prayer, “Lord, give thy servants an understanding heart.” [See 1 Kings 3:9.]

17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 19

“In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David, my father, great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child; I know not how to come in or go out. And thy servant is in the midst of the people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad; for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” [Verses 5-9.]

17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 21

God said to Solomon, “Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words; lo, I have given thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor; so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then will I lengthen thy days.” [Verses 11-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 154, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 154, 1902, par. 26

“In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou has kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, not hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.” [1 Kings 3:5-15.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Chapter 36—“I Am But a Little Child”

9T 281.1

At the beginning of his reign Solomon prayed: “O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.” 1 Kings 3:7.

9T 281.3

It was in a dream, in which the Lord appeared to him, saying, “Ask what I shall give thee” (verse 5), that Solomon thus gave expression to his feeling of helplessness and need of divine aid. He continued: “Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?

9T 282.1

“And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.” Verses 8-15.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

“I Am But a Little Child”

3TT 428.1

At the beginning of his reign, Solomon prayed: “O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.” 1 Kings 3:7.

3TT 428.3

It was in a dream, in which the Lord appeared to him, saying, “Ask what I shall give thee” (verse 5), that Solomon thus gave expression to his feeling of helplessness and need of divine aid. He continued: “Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this Thy so great a people?

3TT 429.1

“And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.” Verses 8-15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 111, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 111, 1907, par. 1

At the beginning of his reign, King Solomon prayed, “O Lord, my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.” [1 Kings 3:7.]

22LtMs, Ms 111, 1907, par. 2

Solomon had succeeded his father David to the throne of Israel. God greatly honored him, and as we know, he became in later years the greatest, richest, and wisest king that had ever sat upon an earthly throne. Early in his reign, Solomon was impressed by the Holy Spirit with the solemnity of his responsibilities; and though rich in talents and ability, he realized that without divine aid he was as helpless as a little child to perform them. Solomon was never so rich or so wise or so truly great as when he confessed to the Lord, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.” [Verse 7.]

22LtMs, Ms 111, 1907, par. 3

It was in a dream in which the Lord appeared to him, saying, “Ask what I shall give thee,” that Solomon thus gave expression to his feeling of helplessness and need of divine aid. [Verse 5.] He continued: “Thy servant is in the midst of Thy people which Thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give therefore Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this so great a people?

22LtMs, Ms 111, 1907, par. 4

“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself; nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor; so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.” [Verses 8-13.] Now the conditions, “and if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My judgments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

22LtMs, Ms 111, 1907, par. 5

“And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.” [Verses 14, 15.]

22LtMs, Ms 111, 1907, par. 7

The question which each should ask himself in all humility is: Am I qualified for this position? Have I learned to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment? The Saviour’s earthly example has been given us that we should not walk in our own strength, but that each should consider himself, as Solomon expressed it, “a little child.” [Verse 7.]

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 1—Solomon

PK 29.1

“And if thou wilt walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.” 1 Kings 3:5-14; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12.

PK 32.1

“And all Israel ... feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.” 1 Kings 3:28. The hearts of the people were turned toward Solomon, as they had been toward David, and they obeyed him in all things. “Solomon ... was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.” 2 Chronicles 1:1.

Conflict and Courage

Wisdom for the Asking, July 3

CC 190.1

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5.

CC 190.2

The God whom we serve is no respecter of persons. He who gave to Solomon the spirit of wise discernment is willing to impart the same blessing to His children today.... When a burden bearer desires wisdom more than he desires wealth, power, or fame, he will not be disappointed. Such a one will learn from the Great Teacher not only what to do, but how to do it in a way that will meet with the divine approval.

CC 190.3

So long as he remains consecrated, the man whom God has endowed with discernment and ability will not manifest an eagerness for high position, neither will he seek to rule or control. Of necessity men must bear responsibilities; but instead of striving for the supremacy, he who is a true leader will pray for an understanding heart, to discern between good and evil.

CC 190.4

The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every difficulty a call to prayer. Never are they to fail of consulting the great Source of all wisdom. Strengthened and enlightened by the Master Worker, they will be enabled to stand firm against unholy influences and to discern right from wrong, good from evil. They will approve that which God approves, and will strive earnestly against the introduction of wrong principles into His cause. The wisdom that Solomon desired above riches, honor, or long life, God gave him. His petition for a quick mind, a large heart, and a tender spirit was granted.8Prophets and Kings, 31.

CC 190.5

It would be well for us carefully to study Solomon’s prayer, and to consider every point on which depended his receiving the rich blessings that the Lord was ready to give him.9The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1026.

CC 190.6

God commended Solomon’s prayer. And He will today hear and commend the prayers of those who in faith and humility cry to Him for aid. He will certainly answer the fervent prayer for a preparation for service. In answer He will say, Here I am. What wilt thou that I shall do for thee? ... He who led Solomon’s mind as he made this prayer will today teach His servants how to pray for what they need.10The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 2:1026.

Prayer

Solomon

Pr 141.2

We Need to Learn the Lesson in Solomon’s Humble Prayer—At the beginning of his reign Solomon prayed: “O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.” 1 Kings 3:7.

Prayer

Chapter 19—Attitudes in Prayer

Pr 210.2

The humility of Solomon at the time he began to bear the burdens of state, when he acknowledged before God, “I am but a little child” (1 Kings 3:7), his marked love of God, his profound reverence for things divine, his distrust of self, and his exaltation of the infinite Creator of all—all these traits of character, so worthy of emulation, were revealed during the services connected with the completion of the temple, when during his dedicatory prayer he knelt in the humble position of a petitioner. Christ’s followers today should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how they should approach their Maker—with humility and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator.—(Prophets and Kings, 47, 48.)

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 2—The Temple and Its Dedication

PK 47.4

The humility of Solomon at the time he began to bear the burdens of state, when he acknowledged before God, “I am but a little child” (1 Kings 3:7), his marked love of God, his profound reverence for things divine, his distrust of self, and his exaltation of the infinite Creator of all—all these traits of character, so worthy of emulation, were revealed during the services connected with the completion of the temple, when during his dedicatory prayer he knelt in the humble position of a petitioner. Christ’s followers today should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how they should approach their Maker—with humility and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator. The psalmist has declared:

From Splendor to Shadow

Israel’s Greatest Glory

SS 23.4

The humility of Solomon when he acknowledged before God, “I am but a little child” (1 Kings 3:7), his reverence for things divine, his distrust of self, and his exaltation of the infinite Creator—all these traits of character were revealed when during his dedicatory prayer he knelt as a humble petitioner. Christ’s followers today should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. They should approach their Maker with awe, through a divine Mediator. The psalmist has declared:

Reflecting Christ

Solomon Learns From Suffering, November 17

RC 335.1

O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.... Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. 1 Kings 3:7-9.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Solomon, September 11

YRP 263.1

And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 1 Kings 3:7-9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 7, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 7, 1894, par. 31

The power of discerning good and evil is an attribute from God, and unless the human agents are in vital connection with God, they cannot discern spiritual things. They will call good evil, they will call evil good. The prayer of Solomon was, “Give thy servant an understanding heart, that I may judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.” [1 Kings 3:9.] The attempt to gain supremacy is a terrible snare to the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 179, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, par. 37

It reveals wisdom from God to be able to distinguish between good and evil. Solomon’s prayer when he was called the beloved of God was, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart, that I may judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil.” [1 Kings 3:9.] It is necessary that we have knowledge to discern between good and evil, between right and wrong. This was the office to which men were appointed in ancient times in connection with the sacred things which God had brought before the people, in order that religious interests might be kept pure and sacred amid a mass of corrupting influences. The men in charge of God’s institutions are to pray as did Solomon for wisdom to discern between good and evil, deciding in behalf of the people between right and wrong. Their work ordained of God is as sacred now as in ancient times.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 77, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 31

We need at this time to send up the prayer to God, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart that I may judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.” [1 Kings 3:9.] This discernment between good and evil is righteous judgment. There is a time coming when every case will be judged. Then those who have given themselves to the Lord to do His will will know in the fullest sense what it means to judge between good and evil. “Know ye not,” says the apostle, “that the saints shall judge the world?” [1 Corinthians 6:2.]

My Life Today

Have an Understanding Heart, August 20

ML 236.1

I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart. 1 Kings 3:12.

With God at Dawn

Long Life Promised to the Obedient, June 7

WGD 160.1

And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 1 Kings 3:14.

From Splendor to Shadow

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SS 29.3

Solomon’s separation from God was his ruin. He lost the mastery of himself. His moral efficiency was gone. His fine sensibilities became blunted, his conscience seared. He who in his early reign had displayed so much wisdom and sympathy in restoring a helpless babe to its unfortunate mother (see 1 Kings 3:16-28), fell so low as to erect an idol to whom living children were offered as sacrifices! He in later years departed so far from purity as to countenance licentious, revolting rites connected with the worship of Chemosh and Ashtoreth. He mistook license for liberty. He tried—but at what cost!—to unite light with darkness, good with evil, purity with impurity, Christ with Belial.

From Splendor to Shadow

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SS 15.5

“And all Israel ... stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to render justice.” 1 Kings 3:28, RSV. The hearts of the people were turned toward Solomon. “Solomon ... was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.” 2 Chronicles 1:1.