Knowing and Needing

Synopsis     1Kings 2:46-3:8     3/1/2019 

Solomon made an alliance through marriage with Pharaoh, King of Egypt. He married Pharaoh’s daughter. And she lived in Jerusalem with him.  

The people were sacrificing on the high places throughout Israel. And even Solomon offered sacrifices on the high places of Gibeon. In fact, it was there that the Lord appeared to Solomon. It was in a dream. And, the Lord offered to give Solomon whatever he asked.  

So, Solomon responded by acknowledging his youthful inexperience. And accordingly, he asked God for the wisdom necessary to rule the people well 

Solomon Knew What He Needed 

Solomon was a young man. And young men often suffer from the delusion that they know more than they actually do. There are many reasons for this. But perhaps the greatest is the pressure they feel to be a grown-up man. They feel the need to appear self-sufficient in the eyes of the community.  

But Solomon recognized in himself a certain lack that he, by himself, could not fill.  And, in addition, he was suddenly thrust into the kingship. So, he quickly realized that he needed wisdom if he was going to keep the fledgling kingdom of Israel together. 

Knowing and Needing 

The Way of Knowing is a middle way between the extremes of either utter ignorance on the one hand, or presumptive arrogance, on the other. I can simply lack the life experience to be able to understand and interpret my circumstances. That is simple ignorance. Naivety.

But I can also think that I understand when in reality I don’t. I can stake my claim as an armchair quarterback, knowing everything and yet knowing nothing. That is presumptive, ignorance.

But when I really need an answer then I’ll quit my presumption. Or, when I really need an answer, I’ll no longer be satisfied with my naive ignorance.  

In that moment, my obvious need for wisdom will trump everything else. And like Solomon, I’ll cry out to the fount of all wisdom. And I won’t be disappointed. 

“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to fathom a matter.” Prov 25:2