Week 2: The Rise of Solomon as King

The Rise of Solomon as King: 1 Kings 3-5

Objective: 

• Solomon asking for wisdom
• Solomon's wise decisions

Resources:

• Fr Tadros Y Malaty Commentary
• Catena Bible Commentary
• Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

• • 1 Kings 3:3-28
  • 1 Kings 4: NO READING
  • 1 Kings 5:1-12

Key verse(s):

• "Give to Your servant an ^[b]understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 1 Kings 3:9

Comments:

• First thing Solomon did as a king was asking for wisdom. People may think that gaining wisdom is through reading books or getting degrees. The wisdom Solomon attained was Heavenly wisdom, which you gain through prayer and supplication.
• We see Solomon offering thousand burnt offerings on that altar. We see his generosity in the offerings.
• Solomon knew that in order for his reign/ministry to be successful, heavenly wisdom is needed.
• He asked for wisdom to differentiate between good and evil. When St. Anthony was asked what is the best virtue, he answered: "The ability to differentiate between what is holy vs unholy and Godly vs ungodly."
• Living many years in the OT was an important concept in people's minds. They understood that many years = God's love and blessings. Solomon didn't ask for many years, as he knew that it is important to make these years fruitful instead of just living many years.
• Solomon asked for wisdom only. God liked his answer/heart and gave him what he didn't ask for like wealth, honor among kings, and many years.
• We see Solomon's wise judgment in knowing who's the child's mother. The real mother will not let her child die. 
• Chapter 4 talks about the power of Solomon, the hierarchy in his kingdom, and the food he ate every day.
• In Chapter 5, we see Solomon making a treaty with the king of Tyre. He will help him with supplies to build the Temple.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What did Solomon ask God to give him?
2. What did God give Solomon besides wisdom?
3. How did Solomon judge between the two women?
4. What was the deal between Solomon and Hiram?
5. Why did Solomon ask Hiram to cut the wood for him?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

1. What did Solomon ask God to give him?
   a) wisdom b) money c) a son
2. When did Solomon show his wisdom?
   a) in judging between two thieves b) in judging between two women who had a baby c) in judging between two killers
   
3. What did Solomon ask from Hiram?
   a) gold b) food c) wood
4. What did Solomon give Hiram in return?
   a) money b) slaves c) wheat and oil