Ancient Babylonia - Solomon's Choice
Soon after this, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him
anything he wished for. This would really be a test of Solomon’s heart:
IKing 3:5-14 "At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said,
"Ask! What shall I give you?" And Solomon said: "You have shown great mercy to
Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in
righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great
kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this
day. "Now, 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. "And Your
servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people,
too numerous to be numbered or counted. "Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is
able to judge this great people of Yours?"
The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said
to him:
"Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself,
nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies,
but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, "behold, I have
done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like
you arise after you. "And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.
"So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your
father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."
Ancient Babylonia
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