Solomon was the third king of Israel. His reign was renowned for its prosperity and wisdom. According to records in Chronicles, Solomon received God's blessing in a dream in his youth, and this event not only shaped his ruling style, but also profoundly affected the destiny of the entire nation of Israel.
Solomon begged God for wisdom in a dream. This request was moved by God, making him the embodiment of wisdom.
In the records of Chapter 1, Chapter 3 of the Book of Kings, Solomon had just ascended the throne and faced the challenge of ruling a large and diverse kingdom. So after a sacrifice, he fell asleep on a high place in Gibeon and met God in a dream. God asked him what he wished for, and Solomon did not ask for long life or wealth, but humbly asked, “Give me an understanding heart, that I may govern this people justly.”
This desire shows that Solomon clearly recognized the importance of governance and understood that only wisdom can bring about just rule.
God was so pleased with Solomon's request that he not only gave him the wisdom he asked for, but also added wealth and glory he never asked for. This experience became the most important cornerstone of Solomon's life and allowed him to achieve great success in later political and economic aspects.
After Solomon gained wisdom, he launched a series of constructions and reforms. He showed extraordinary wisdom in diplomacy with surrounding countries, and even formed an alliance with the king of Egypt and married the pharaoh's daughter. He used his wisdom to formulate laws and policies that made Israel one of the most powerful nations among the surrounding nations.
Solomon's famous saying, "Wisdom is the first thing, and if you gain wisdom, you gain life" expresses his belief in his rule.
Solomon used his wisdom to solve many difficult problems. The most famous case is "Solomon's Judgment", in which two women competed for the same baby, and in the end Solomon's decision divided the baby into two halves. This verdict proclaimed his unparalleled wisdom and won the love of the people.
However, even a wise ruler like Solomon was not immune to bad decisions. In his later years, his many foreign wives led him away from the worship of Jehovah. This led to a religious schism between Israel and Judah and a subsequent decline in dominance.
God therefore warned Solomon that if he was not as loyal to God as his father David, his kingdom would be divided. Nonetheless, Solomon’s late-life deviations do not completely erase his earlier achievements, but his story reminds us that the possessor of wisdom may face irreversible consequences if it loses focus and integrity.
The story of Solomon tells us: the use of wisdom must be accompanied by humility and persistence in truth.
The wisdom Solomon gained in his dream was undoubtedly an important factor in his success, but his choices and actions in his later years also brought profound enlightenment to people. While pursuing wisdom, can we also constantly examine ourselves and choose the right path?