Solomon’s request can hardly be called typical for a ruler. Indeed, having only just established himself on the throne, it would be natural to ask that his power be strengthened...
Solomon’s request can hardly be called typical for a ruler. Indeed, having only just established himself on the throne, it would be natural to ask that his power be strengthened, for military might, wealth, and other forms of earthly prosperity. But Solomon does not even ask for the lives of his enemies, and thus begins his reign peacefully, which is entirely unlike the behavior of an ancient king. Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge, yet we understand that for him wisdom is something far greater than a set of practical skills for governing people and a state.
But having asked for wisdom, Solomon receives earthly wealth, glory, and everything else he could have dreamed of as well. This is not surprising: if one chooses the essential thing, one can receive much beyond what was chosen precisely because everything else rests upon that essential thing. If, however, one asks for something, even something truly important and necessary, apart from the essential thing, then even after receiving it one will gain little benefit from it.
Years will pass, and the descendants of Solomon’s subjects will hear the call of the Son of David: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
1 Solomon's sacrifices, 2Chron 1:1-6.
His prayer and God's answer, 2Chron 1:7-12.
The strength, wealth, and trade of Israel, 2Chron 1:13-17.
1:2 Spake - Concerning his intention of going to Gibeon, and that they should attend him thither.
1:4 The ark - He separated the ark from the tabernacle, and brought it to Jerusalem, where he intended to build a more noble and lasting habitation for it.
1:5 Sought - Sought the Lord and his favour by hearty prayers and sacrifices in the place which God had appointed.
1:8 To reign, etc - Give me the spirit of my father David, that Israel may not suffer by the change. The eminency of those that went before us, and the obligation that lies upon us, to keep and carry on the good work they were engaged in, should quicken our prayers for wisdom and grace, that we may do the work of God in our day, as faithful as they did in theirs.
1:12 Neither etc - Those that make this world their end, come shortof the other, and frequently of this too. But those who make the other world their end, shall not only obtain that, but shalt have as much as is convenient of this world in their way.