1 Reis 3
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 3
Spurgeon - If in a vision of the night the Lord should say to us as he did to Solomon, "Ask what I shall give you," I do not think any of us would hesitate. I cannot imagine myself asking for riches or honor or even for wisdom, unless it were wisdom of a far higher order than is commonly esteemed among men. The gift which I feel I should crave beyond every other boon is holiness, pure and immaculate holiness. The one thing I desire beyond everything else is to be perfectly free from sin, and to lead an unblemished life without sin of omission or sin of commission. Believers are also invited by God to ASK...there are some caveats and some of the main caveats are that we exhibit obedience, faith, abiding, and asking in His will (cf Ps 66:18, Pr 15:8, Pr 15:29, Jn 9:31, Ps 34:15) Matthew 7:7+ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. John 15:7+ “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 1 John 3:21-22+ Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 5:14-15+ This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. James 1:5-8+ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Rod Mattoon - In this dispensation or period, God at times would speak to a person in dreams. He spoke to Joseph, Nebuchadnezzar, the Apostle John, and Joseph, the husband of Mary. God does not speak to us through dreams and visions today because He doesn't need to do this. His revelation of truth is complete. We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to give us direction and guidance in our decisions. Those who claim doctrinal revelation from God are deceived or our deceivers. A religion or preacher can be judged by his attitude toward the Word of God. Many cults have been started by men or women who claimed revelations from God in dreams and visions. These dreams contradicted Scripture. The dreams of Joseph Smith lead to the start of Mormonism. The visions of Mary Baker Eddy lead to the founding of the Christian Science movement. Beloved, God NEVER leads us to contradict His Word! (Treasures from 1 Kings) QUESTION - How did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? ANSWER - God used dreams and visions (visions are “waking dreams”; see Numbers 24:4) several times in the Bible to communicate with people. Visions seem to have been common enough that their lack was sorely noted. An absence of visions was due at times to a dearth of prophets (1 Samuel 3:1) and other times due to the disobedience of God’s people (1 Samuel 28:6). Old Testament Dreams and Visions God used visions in the Old Testament to reveal His plan, to further His plan, and to put His people in places of influence. Abraham (Genesis 15:1): God used a vision to restate the Abrahamic Covenant, reminding Abram that he would have a son and be the father of many nations. Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-7): Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was beautiful—so beautiful that when Abraham came into a new area he occasionally feared that the local ruler would kill him and take Sarah for himself. Abraham told Abimelech king of Gerar that Sarah was his sister (she was his half-sister). Abimelech took Sarah into his harem, but God sent him a dream telling him not to touch Sarah because she was Abraham’s wife. The king returned Sarah to her husband the next morning; the dream had protected Sarah and safeguarded God’s plan for Sarah to be the mother of His chosen people. Jacob (Genesis 28:10-17): Jacob, with his mother’s help, stole Esau’s firstborn inheritance. Jacob then fled Esau’s anger, and on his journey he had his famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven on which angels ascended and descended. In this dream Jacob received God’s promise that Abraham’s blessing would be carried on through him. Joseph (Genesis 37:1-11): Joseph is one of the most famous dreamers, and one of the most famous dream-interpreters, in the Bible. His first recorded dreams are found in Genesis 37. They showed through easily deciphered symbols that Joseph’s family would one day bow to him in respect. His brothers didn’t appreciate the dream and in their hatred sold Joseph into slavery. Eventually, Joseph ended up in prison in Egypt. Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40): While in prison Joseph interpreted some dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. With God’s guidance, he explained that the cupbearer would return to Pharaoh’s service, but the baker would be killed. Pharaoh (Genesis 41): Two years later, Pharaoh himself had a dream which Joseph interpreted. God’s purpose was to raise Joseph to second-in-command over Egypt and to save the Egyptians and the Israelites from a horrible famine. Samuel (1 Samuel 3): Samuel had his first vision as a young boy. God told him that judgment was coming upon the sons of Samuel’s mentor, Eli. The young Samuel was faithful to relay the information, and God continued to speak to Samuel through the rest of his life. The Midianite and Amalekite armies (Judges 7:12-15): The pagan enemies of Israel had a divinely inspired dream. God told Gideon to sneak into the enemy camp at night, and there in the outposts of the camp, Gideon overheard an enemy soldier relate a dream he had just had. The interpretation, from another enemy soldier, mentioned Gideon by name and predicted that Israel would win the battle. Gideon was greatly encouraged by this revelation. Solomon (1 Kings 3:5): It was in a dream that God gave Solomon the famous offer: "Ask what you wish Me to give you." Solomon chose wisdom. Daniel (Daniel 2; 4): As He had done for Joseph, God placed Daniel in a position of power and influence by allowing him to interpret a foreign ruler’s dream. This is consistent with God’s propensity to use miracles to identify His messengers. Daniel himself had many dreams and visions, mostly related to future kingdoms of the world and the nation of Israel. New Testament Dreams and Visions Visions in the New Testament also served to provide information that was unavailable elsewhere. Specifically, God used visions and dreams to identify Jesus and to establish His church. Zacharias (Luke 1:5-23): God used a vision to tell Zacharias, an old priest, that he would soon have an important son. Not long after, Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, had John the Baptist. Joseph (Matthew 1:20; 2:13): Joseph would have divorced Mary when he found out she was pregnant, but God sent an angel to him in a dream, convincing him that the pregnancy was of God. Joseph went ahead with the marriage. After Jesus was born, God sent two more dreams, one to tell Joseph to take his family to Egypt so Herod could not kill Jesus and another to tell him Herod was dead and that he could return home. Pilate’s wife (Matthew 27:19): During Jesus’ trial, Pilate’s wife sent an urgent message to the governor encouraging him to free Jesus. Her message was prompted by a dream she had—a nightmare, really—that convinced her that Jesus was innocent and that Pilate should have nothing to do with His case. Ananias (Acts 9:10): It would have taken nothing less than a vision from God to convince Ananias, a Christian in Damascus, to visit Paul, the persecutor of Christians. But because Ananias was obedient to God’s leading, Paul regained his sight and found the truth about those he was trying to kill. Cornelius (Acts 10:1-6): God spoke to an Italian centurion named Cornelius who feared the God of the Jews. In his vision, Cornelius saw an angel who told him where to find Simon Peter and to send for him and listen to his message. Cornelius obeyed the vision, Peter came and preached, and Cornelius and his household full of Gentiles were saved by the grace of God. Peter (Acts 10:9-15): While Peter was praying on the rooftop of a house in Joppa, God gave him a vision of animals lowered in something like a sheet. A voice from heaven told Peter to kill the animals (some of which were unclean) and eat them. The vision served to show that Christians are not bound by kosher law and that God had pronounced Gentiles “clean”; that is, heaven is open to all who follow Jesus. Paul: Paul had several visions in his missionary career. One sent him to preach in Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). Another encouraged him to keep preaching in Corinth (Acts 18:9-11). God also gave him a vision of heaven (2 Corinthians 12:1-6). John (Revelation): Nearly the entire book of Revelation is a vision John had while exiled on the island of Patmos. John’s vision explains in more detail some of the events that God had shown Daniel. Today’s Dreams and Visions With the completion of the Bible, God does not have to use dreams and visions as much as He did before. That is not to say that He cannot or does not; God can communicate with us however He chooses. But when we have a decision to make, our first stop should always be the Bible, not a dream.GotQuestions.org 1 Kings 3:6 Then Solomon said, "You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. KJV 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. BGT 1 Kings 3:6 καὶ εἶπεν Σαλωμων σὺ ἐποίησας μετὰ τοῦ δούλου σου Δαυιδ τοῦ πατρός μου ἔλεος μέγα καθὼς διῆλθεν ἐνώπιόν σου ἐν ἀληθείᾳ καὶ ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἐν εὐθύτητι καρδίας μετὰ σοῦ καὶ ἐφύλαξας αὐτῷ τὸ ἔλεος τὸ μέγα τοῦτο δοῦναι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ ὡς ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη LXE 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon said, Thou hast dealt very mercifully with thy servant David my father according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee, and thou hast kept for him this great mercy, to set his son upon his throne, as it is this day. NET 1 Kings 3:6 Solomon replied, "You demonstrated great loyalty to your servant, my father David, as he served you faithfully, properly, and sincerely. You have maintained this great loyalty to this day by allowing his son to sit on his throne. CSB 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon replied, "You have shown great and faithful love to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today. ESV 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. NIV 1 Kings 3:6 Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. NLT 1 Kings 3:6 Solomon replied, "You showed faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. NRS 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. NJB 1 Kings 3:6 Solomon replied, 'You showed most faithful love to your servant David, my father, when he lived his life before you in faithfulness and uprightness and integrity of heart; you have continued this most faithful love to him by allowing a son of his to sit on his throne today. NAB 1 Kings 3:6 Solomon answered: "You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne. YLT 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon saith, 'Thou hast done with Thy servant David my father great kindness, as he walked before Thee in truth and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee, and Thou dost keep for him this great kindness, and dost give to him a son sitting on his throne, as at this day. servant: Nu 12:7 2Sa 7:5 great: 2Sa 7:8-12 12:7,8 22:47-51 1Ch 29:12-14 Ps 78:70-72 lovingkindness, Ps 13:6 116:7 119:17 2Co 9:5,11 according: 1Ki 2:4 9:4 15:5 2Ki 20:3 Ps 15:2 18:20-24 that: 1Ki 1:48 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 1:8+ In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” 8 Solomon said to God, “You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. 9 “Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 2 Samuel 7:15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him (DAVID), as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GOD'S COVENANT FAITHFULNESS Then Solomon said, "You have shown great lovingkindness (hesed; Lxx = eleos) to Your servant ('ebed; Lxx = doulos) David my father, according as he walked before You (see Coram Deo) in truth ('emeth) and righteousness (tsedaqah) and uprightness (speaks of integrity) of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness (hesed), that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day - Solomon rightly and reverently twice acknowledged God's great lovingkindness, His great covenant faithfulness, loyalty and love, and ultimately the fact that He was beginning to fulfill His covenant promises to David though His gift of the monarchy to his son Solomon. Dale Ralph Davis - Solomon’s prayer, then, is a proclamation of the fidelity of God. His prayer begins with praise of Yahweh’s dependability. That is proper in itself—God should be so praised. But it is also useful for the prayer, for as we praise in prayer we are encouraged in petition, for we realize as we rehearse Yahweh’s record that we are coming to a faithful God. Praise then becomes the basis of confidence. (See his MP3 series on 1 Kings) Lovingkindness (02617) hesed/chesed/heced is the idea of faithful love in action and often in the OT refers to God's lovingkindness expressed in His covenant relationship with Israel (His "loyal love" to His "Wife" Israel [cp Hos 2:18, 19, 20+, Is 54:5, Je 31:32] = His "loyalty to covenant"). God's hesed His denotes persistent and unconditional tenderness, kindness, and mercy, a relationship in which He seeks after man with love and mercy (cp God immediately seeking man Ge 3:9, who was immediately hiding Ge 3:8 trying to cover their shame Ge 3:7 - contrast God's lovingkindness manifest by spilling blood to provide skins to cover their shame! Ge 3:21). Hesed expresses both God’s loyalty to His covenant and His love for His people along with a faithfulness to keep His promises. Vine writes that…In general, one may identify three basic meanings of hesed, and these 3 meanings always interact -- strength, steadfastness, and love. Any understanding of hesed that fails to suggest all three inevitably loses some of its richness. Love by itself easily becomes sentimentalized or universalized apart from the covenant. Yet strength or steadfastness suggests only the fulfillment of a legal (or similar) obligation. Hesed refers primarily to mutual and reciprocal rights and obligations between the parties of a relationship (especially Jehovah and Israel). But hesed is not only a matter of obligation but is also of generosity. It is not only a matter of loyalty, but also of mercy. Hesed implies personal involvement and commitment in a relationship beyond the rule of law. (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) (Bolding added) QUESTION - What is the Davidic covenant? ANSWER - The Davidic Covenant refers to God’s promises to David through Nathan the prophet and is found in 2 Samuel 7 and later summarized in 1 Chronicles 17:11–14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16. This is an unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever. The Davidic Covenant is unconditional because God does not place any conditions of obedience upon its fulfillment. The surety of the promises made rests solely on God’s faithfulness and does not depend at all on David or Israel’s obedience. The Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. First, God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, “I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore.” God then promises that David’s son will succeed him as king of Israel and that this son (Solomon) would build the temple. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12–13, " I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name.” But then the promise continues and expands: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (verse 13), and “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (verse 16). What began as a promise that David’s son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple turns into something different—the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9. The promise that David’s “house,” “kingdom,” and “throne” will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words “house,” promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; “kingdom,” referring to a people who are governed by a king; “throne,” emphasizing the authority of the king’s rule; and “forever,” emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel. Other references to the Davidic Covenant are found in Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Luke 1:32, 69; Acts 13:34; and Revelation 3:7.GotQuestions.org 1 Kings 3:7 "Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. You have made Da 2:21 4:25,32 5:18,21 a little: 1Ch 29:1 Job 32:6-8 Ec 10:16 Jer 1:6 Mt 18:3,4 to go: Nu 27:17 De 31:2 1Sa 18:16 2Sa 5:2 Ps 121:8 Joh 10:3,4,9 Related Passages: 1 Chronicles 29:1 Then King David said to the entire assembly, “My son Solomon, whom alone God has chosen, is still young and inexperienced and the work is great; for the temple is not for man, but for the LORD God. 2 Chronicles 1:8+ Solomon said to God, “You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. A GREAT BEGINNING: HUMILITY & SENSE OF INADEQUACY Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant ('ebed; Lxx = doulos) king in place of my father David - Solomon sees himself as a servant and acknowledges Yahweh's authority and sovereignty in bestowing the monarchy on him rather than on Adonijah. Solomon knew he was in the center of God's will. When we are sure of God’s will, there is no need to plot and scheme. Solomon showed restraint in waiting for David to keep his promise and appoint him ruler. Yet - Term of contrast. King, yes, but still a youth. I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in - Solomon was about 20 yo when he became king but would have been like a little child in knowledge and wisdom in governing the nation of Israel. What do we clearly see in Solomon's heart at this time? He is humbly confessing his inadequacy to govern God's chosen people. The phrase go out or come in is an idiom that describes the ability to lead as we see in other OT passages (Nu 27:17; Josh 14:11; 1Sa 29:6; 2Ki 11:8). Rod Mattoon (Treasures from 1 Kings) points out the value of a sense of inadequacy ... Moses felt inadequate..... Exodus 4:10,13+—And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. Jeremiah felt inadequate.... Jeremiah 1:6—Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. Paul also felt inadequate... 1 Corinthians 15:9+—For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ED: Isaiah felt inadequate... Isaiah 6:5+ Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” True humility is not self-degrading. It is self-forgetfulness and God-dependent. These were all humble men whom God used. True humility is not self-degrading. It is self-forgetfulness and God-dependent. The humble man looks to the Lord for strength and ability. He gives God the glory for his accomplishments. That is what the Lord wants us to do too. Our Lord can equip us for the task He wants us to accomplish. Without Him, we will fail. Usefulness begins with inadequacy THOUGHT- Do you feel inadequate for some task for God? Then great! You are in just the right place for God to use you! When God calls you to do something for Him, rest assured He will enable you to accomplish the task! 1 Kings 3:7-9 (Our Daily Walk) THE CHOICE OF A LIFE-WORK "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in… Give Thy servant an understanding heart."-- 1 Kings 3:7-9. WE SHALL never rightly choose our life-course until we are determined to put first things first. Wealth, honour, fame, the surpassing of our rivals, are not the chief things to be considered, or our judgment will be impaired and our vision distorted. It was because Solomon desired and sought the kingdom and glory of God, that He gave him also the things for which he did not ask (1 Kings 3:13; Matthew 6:33). Impressed by the greatness of his responsibilities, the young king had gone to Gibeon to worship God. He wished to fulfil his opportunities to their highest measure, and to serve his fatherland, but he realized his inefficiency. Do you feel like this? You realize the wonderful opportunities and responsibilities of life in this marvellous age, and long to be of service to God and your fellows, but what can you do? You are but as a little child, and "know not how to go out or come in." "Going out" stands for the active life in the world of men; "coming in" for the hours spent in the home, in recreation and society. It is like the systole and diastole of the heart's action, which should be alike consecrated to God and of service to man. Solomon asked for an understanding heart, that he might discern between good and bad. We all need this faculty, that we may discriminate between things that look very much alike, but are different in nature and direction (Hebrews 5:14; Phil 1:9-10; marg. R.V.). It is not an enduement of intellectual power, but of moral taste and discernment. It has been said, that the difficulty in life is not to discriminate between white and black, but to choose between the different shades of grey. In our fellowships, recreations, literature, business--we are in urgent need of the understanding heart, which listens for and heeds the voice of God. Solomon offered a thousand burnt-offerings upon the altar (1 Kings 3:4). We are required to present our bodies as living sacrifices unto God, which is our reasonable service. Our career is often determined by our circumstances, or by our special gifts and talents, and, on the whole, we succeed best in doing what we like best. But if we yield ourselves to do God's will, He will direct our paths. PRAYER - O God, make us diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. May we prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good. AMEN. When Life Is Too Big O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. —1 Kings 3:7 Today's Scripture : 1 Kings 3:4-14 As a young man, Jimmy Carter was a junior officer in the US Navy. He was deeply impacted by Admiral Hyman Rickover, the mastermind of the US nuclear submarine fleet. Shortly after Carter’s inauguration as President, he invited Rickover to the White House for lunch, where the admiral presented Carter with a plaque that read, “O, God, Thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.” That prayer is a useful perspective on the size and complexity of life and our inability to manage it on our own. Solomon too knew that life could be overwhelming. When he succeeded his father, David, as king of Israel, he confessed his weakness to God, saying, “O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in” (1 Kings 3:7). As a result, he asked for the wisdom to lead in a way that would please God and help others (1Ki 3:9). Each day we learn from yesterday Of God’s great love and care; And every burden we must face He’ll surely help us bear. —D. De Haan Recognizing our own smallness can cause us to embrace God’s greatness. So may we stand in awe and praise, Through all our fleeting, numbered days. For in our smallness, we embrace, The boundless beauty of His grace. 1 Kings 3:8 "Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. people: Ex 19:5-6 De 7:6-8 1Sa 12:22 Ps 78:71 too many: Ge 13:16 Ge 15:5 Ge 22:17 1Ch 21:2,5,6 27:23,24 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 1:9+ “Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled (SEE DAVIDIC COVENANT), for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth (Ge 13:16+) SOLOMON ACKNOWLEDGES GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY & HIS INADEQUACY Your servant ('ebed; Lxx = doulos) is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen (bahar/bachar; Lxx = eklego/eklegomai) - Note Solomon's acknowledgement that he is the servant of Yahweh, that the people he rules over belong to Yahweh and that He had chosen them from all the people of the earth to be His own possession (Ex 19:5+). A great people who are too many to be numbered or counted - This recalls God's promises to Abram/Abraham (Ge 13:16+ Ge 15:5+ Ge 22:17+) Solomon recognizes that he could not govern such a great number in his own wisdom and discernment, which sets the stage for his incredible request of God. This is a great attitude to begin his reign with and reminds me of Paul's words in 2Co 3:5-6+ "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." Wisdom from God would make Solomon adequate. John
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Spurgeon reminds us that "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a divine highlighter, a divine underlining of an especially striking or important text. It says in effect "Listen up, all ye who would be wise in the ways of Jehovah!" Hinneh is translated in the Septuagint with the interjection idou (strictly speaking a command in the second person aorist imperative, middle voice) a demonstrative particle (used 1377 times in the Septuagint and NT) which is found especially in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke "and giving a peculiar vivacity to the style by bidding the reader or hearer to attend to what is said: "Behold! See! Lo!" (Thayer) The command is calling for urgent attention. Do this now! Don't delay! It could be loosely paraphrased "Pay attention!" or "Listen up!" to arouse attention and introduce a new and extraordinary fact of considerable importance. G Campbell