Written by Dr. David Dunbar Wednesday, 11 January 2012 00:00

Recently I have been thinking about the early kingship of Solomon.  He is at his best in the early days.  Particularly attractive is his request for wisdom:  “so give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.  For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kgs. 3:9).

Now if there was anyone who didn’t need to ask for wisdom, it would seem to be Solomon.  Genetics were clearly on his side.  Remember that his great-grandfather was Ahithophel one of King David’s greatest counselors.  Of Ahithophel it was said, “. . . the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God”! (2 Sam. 16:23). I have no doubt that Solomon’s reputation for sagacity was part of a legacy derived from his mother’s grandpa.

But here is the fascinating point:  where Solomon might be expected to rely on his natural (inherited) ability, he asks for divine assistance.  Not the way we usually function right?  Normally we ask the Lord’s assistance only when we feel weak or vulnerable, when our feet are slipping, or we have already failed.  Grace is what we ask for when we finally decide we can’t do it in our own strength.

Solomon, however, seeks the Lord’s help for what is already a sharp tool in his personal tool box.  The result was God’s blessing on his leadership and the world-wide renown of his wisdom. Question: might the Lord choose to do through his people if we sought his gracious help for our strengths not merely our weaknesses?

 
Dave Dunbar is president of Biblical Seminary.  He has been married to Sharon for 42 years.  They have four grown children and six grand children.