1 KINGS 3:11 — KING JAMES VERSION 0 1
“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;”
"Behold, I have done according to your word; I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.'" — God grants the request *with surpassing generosity*: *hinne 'asiti ke-devarakh hinne-natati lakh lev chacham ve-navon* (I have done according to your word; I have given you a wise and discerning heart). The *lev chacham ve-navon* (wise and discerning heart) is Solomon's defining gift. Yet God adds a *superlative dimension*: *asher lo-hayah kamokha... ve-lo-yaqum acharekha kamokha* (none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you). Solomon's wisdom is *unparalleled in history*—both past and future. This *eschatological affirmation* suggests Solomon represents a unique moment of divine wisdom incarnate in human kingship.
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a note on this verse
0/2000
No notes on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!