The Dream at Gibeon

The night God asked, What shall I give you?

Gibeon · c. 970 BC · 1 Kgs 3:4–15

Story

Smoke rose without end over the great high place at Gibeon. Solomon son of David had not been king for long, and he offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. That night, as the flames died down, the young king fell asleep there. In his dream the Lord appeared and spoke: “What would you like me to give you? Ask.”

Solomon answered: “You showed great love to my father David. But I am like a little child; I do not even know how to go out or come in. I have been given charge of a people too many to count, so give me a listening heart, to judge them and to tell good from evil.” He had not asked for a long life, or for riches, or for the lives of his enemies, and his words pleased the Lord.

God said, “Because you have asked for this, I will give you a wise and discerning heart. I will also give you what you did not ask for, riches and honor.” Solomon woke up, and it had been a dream. He went back to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant to offer sacrifices, and held a feast for all his servants. Later a song bearing Solomon's name would sing it this way: the Lord gives sweet sleep to those he loves.

Words of God and the Prophets

What would you like me to give you? Ask.

Give your servant a listening heart, so that I can judge your people and tell good from evil.

Because you did not ask for a long life or riches or the lives of your enemies, but asked for wisdom to discern what is right, I will do as you have asked.

I will also give you what you did not ask for, riches and honor. As long as you live, no king will be your equal.

The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 1 Kgs 3:4–15

Background

Pause and Reflect