1 Kings 3:5

KJV

¶ In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

In Gibeon {H1391} the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} to Solomon {H8010} in a dream {H2472} by night {H3915}: and God {H430} said {H559}, Ask {H7592} what I shall give {H5414} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

At Giv'on ADONAI appeared to Shlomo in a dream at night; God said, "Tell me what I should give you."

Berean Standard Bible

One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

American Standard Version

In Gibeon Jehovah appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:5 recounts a momentous divine encounter early in King Solomon's reign, where the LORD, the covenant God of Israel, sovereignly appeared to him in a dream at Gibeon. This profound manifestation was immediately followed by an extraordinary and open-ended divine invitation: "Ask what I shall give thee." This pivotal moment not only underscores God's direct and personal engagement with His chosen leader but also serves as the critical prelude to Solomon's renowned request for wisdom, a choice that would profoundly shape his rule and the trajectory of the Israelite kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned following Solomon's consolidation of power and his initial acts of devotion. The preceding verses (1 Kings 3:1-4) establish Solomon's love for the LORD and his practice of offering sacrifices at the high places, culminating in a massive offering of a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon. This act of piety sets the stage for God's direct response, indicating divine acknowledgment of Solomon's worship. The dream encounter in verse 5 is not an isolated event but the direct catalyst for the narrative's progression, leading immediately into Solomon's famous request for an [understanding heart to govern God's people](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom") and the subsequent demonstration of this divinely granted wisdom in the celebrated case of the two prostitutes (1 Kings 3:16-28).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Gibeon, situated northwest of Jerusalem, held significant religious importance at this time, serving as the most prominent "high place" (Hebrew: *bamah*) in Israel. It housed the Tabernacle of Moses and the bronze altar (2 Chronicles 1:3-6), making it a legitimate and central site for Israelite worship before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The practice of offering burnt offerings was a fundamental act of worship, symbolizing dedication, consecration, and atonement. Dreams were a widely accepted and potent mode of divine revelation in the ancient Near East and throughout biblical history, frequently employed by God to communicate with patriarchs, prophets, and kings (e.g., Joseph, Pharaoh, Daniel). God's choice to appear to Solomon in a dream underscores the intimate, personal, and authoritative nature of this divine communication, affirming Solomon's legitimacy and divine favor as the newly anointed king.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 3:5 introduces and develops several crucial themes that resonate throughout the book of Kings and beyond. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Initiative**; the LORD *appeared* to Solomon, highlighting God's sovereign and active involvement in the affairs of His people and their leaders. Second, the open-ended offer, "Ask what I shall give thee," emphasizes God's boundless **Generosity and Willingness to Bless**, presenting an unprecedented opportunity that profoundly tests Solomon's priorities. This offer directly foreshadows the critical theme of **Wisdom in Governance**, as Solomon's subsequent request for an [understanding heart to govern God's people](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom") becomes the defining characteristic and benchmark of his reign. Finally, the encounter at Gibeon reinforces the **Covenantal Relationship** between God and the Davidic king, underscoring the conditional nature of God's blessings based on obedience, a theme that will be extensively explored throughout [Solomon's reign](/1_kings/1 "The Reign of King Solomon") and the subsequent history of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appeared (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This verb (H7200), in its Niphal form (passive or reflexive), signifies a divine manifestation or revelation. It implies a direct, intentional, and often visual encounter initiated by God. In this context, it emphasizes God's sovereign choice to reveal Himself to Solomon, underscoring the significance and authenticity of the encounter. It is not merely a thought or an impression, but a tangible, though dream-mediated, presence that confirms God's active involvement.
* **Dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** This noun (H2472) specifies the medium of God's revelation. In ancient Israel, dreams were a recognized and legitimate channel for divine communication (e.g., [Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "Genesis 20:3 - God Appears to Abimelech in a Dream"), [Genesis 31:10-11](/genesis/31-10-11 "Genesis 31:10-11 - Jacob's Dream of the Flock"); [Job 33:15-16](/job/33-15-16 "Job 33:15-16 - God Speaks Through Dreams")). While distinct from a waking vision or direct prophetic utterance, a divine dream was understood as a direct message from God, often requiring interpretation or leading to immediate action, as it clearly does for Solomon.
* **Ask (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This imperative verb (H7592) carries the meaning of requesting, inquiring, or even demanding. In this context, it is a direct command from God, conveying an extraordinary, open-ended invitation. It places the burden of choice squarely on Solomon, revealing God's immense generosity while simultaneously testing the king's heart and priorities. The freedom implied in "ask what I shall give thee" is profound, signifying a moment of immense divine favor and human responsibility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night:"**: This opening clause precisely sets the scene, identifying the significant location ("In Gibeon," a central cultic site), the divine agent ("the LORD," Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal engagement), the recipient ("Solomon," the newly enthroned king, highlighting his unique position), the mode of communication ("in a dream," underscoring the intimacy and often mysterious nature of divine revelations), and the timing ("by night," further emphasizing the personal and direct nature of the encounter, often associated with deep spiritual experiences). This detailed setting highlights the specificity and intentionality of God's initiative towards Solomon.
* **"and God said, Ask what I shall give thee."**: This second clause transitions from the divine appearance to direct divine speech. The phrase "God said" emphasizes the authority and clarity of the subsequent command, confirming the divine origin of the message. The offer itself, "Ask what I shall give thee," is breathtaking in its scope. It is an unparalleled "blank check" from the Almighty, demonstrating boundless generosity and presenting an immediate test of Solomon's character, priorities, and understanding of his sacred role as king. It is a moment of profound divine grace and immense human responsibility, inviting a response that will define his reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and set the stage for Solomon's reign. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the appearance of God to a human, even if mediated through a dream. This direct divine encounter emphasizes God's active involvement in human affairs and His personal relationship with His chosen king. The phrasing "the LORD appeared" also highlights **Divine Initiative**, underscoring that this encounter was not sought by Solomon but sovereignly initiated by God, demonstrating His proactive care for His people and their leadership. Furthermore, the divine offer, "Ask what I shall give thee," serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, building narrative anticipation by setting the stage for Solomon's wise request for an understanding heart in the subsequent verses and the subsequent unfolding of his reign. There is also a subtle **Contrast** between the infinite generosity of God's open-ended offer and the finite, often self-serving, desires of humanity, which immediately prompts the reader to consider what they would ask for in such a divine encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 3:5 is a profound illustration of God's active engagement with His people and His leaders, demonstrating His sovereign initiative and boundless generosity. It reveals a God who not only establishes covenants but also personally interacts to guide and empower those He calls to positions of authority. The open-ended offer to Solomon underscores God's desire to bless and His willingness to meet needs, while simultaneously serving as a test of the heart's true priorities. This encounter sets a precedent for understanding divine grace—it is freely given, but its reception and subsequent impact are often contingent on a humble and righteous response. The verse also implicitly teaches about the nature of prayer, portraying God as one who invites His people to bring their requests before Him, promising to listen and respond according to His perfect will and their sincere desires.

* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")
* [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - God Gives Wisdom Generously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine encounter in 1 Kings 3:5 offers timeless insights for believers today. Just as God initiated contact with Solomon, He continues to initiate relationship with us, inviting us into His presence and offering His blessings, though typically not through dreams in the same dramatic fashion. God communicates through His Word, His Spirit, and His providence, consistently inviting us to "ask" for our needs, desires, and spiritual growth. This verse challenges each of us to deeply consider what we would request if given such an extraordinary, open-ended opportunity. Our answer to this hypothetical question reveals the true inclinations of our hearts, our deepest priorities, and what we genuinely value above all else. Solomon's subsequent choice to prioritize wisdom for effective governance and righteous judgment over personal wealth, long life, or victory over enemies serves as a powerful model for discerning what truly matters in God's eyes. It encourages us to seek spiritual understanding, discernment, and the ability to serve God and others effectively, rather than merely pursuing worldly gain or fleeting pleasures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **If the LORD appeared to you today and said, "Ask what I shall give thee," what would be your immediate request?**
* **What does your answer reveal about your deepest desires and priorities, and how do they align with God's kingdom?**
* **How does Solomon's response in the subsequent verses challenge or affirm your own priorities and aspirations?**
* **In what ways does God invite us to "ask" Him today, and how can we respond with a heart aligned with His will and purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did God appear to Solomon in a dream specifically at Gibeon?**

Answer: Gibeon was identified as "the great high place" (1 Kings 3:4) because the Tabernacle of Moses and the bronze altar were located there (2 Chronicles 1:3-6). It served as the primary legitimate site for Israelite worship before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's offering of a thousand burnt offerings there demonstrated his profound devotion and adherence to the established religious practices, indicating a heart seeking God's favor. God's appearance in a dream, a recognized and intimate mode of divine communication in the ancient world, underscored the sacredness of the location and the personal, direct nature of God's engagement with His newly appointed king. It signified divine approval and the beginning of a new, divinely sanctioned era for Israel under Solomon's leadership.

**Was this open-ended offer unique to Solomon, or does God make similar offers to others?**

Answer: The *form* of the offer—a seemingly limitless "blank check" from God Himself—was indeed unique and extraordinary, highlighting God's special favor and the immense significance of Solomon's early reign. This specific manifestation of divine generosity was singular in its directness and scope. However, the *principle* of God's willingness to bless and respond to the requests of His people is a consistent and foundational theme throughout Scripture. God consistently invites His followers to [ask Him for their needs](/john/14-13 "John 14:13 - Ask in My Name") and promises to provide good gifts, especially wisdom ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - God Gives Wisdom Generously")) and the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - God Gives the Holy Spirit")). While the exact circumstances and the magnitude of the offer differ, the underlying truth of God's boundless generosity and responsiveness to a seeking heart remains universal for all who approach Him in faith and according to His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine encounter in 1 Kings 3:5, where God offers Solomon an open invitation to ask for anything, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Solomon received a gift of wisdom to rule God's people, but Jesus *is* the very wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")). Unlike Solomon, who was given wisdom for a specific reign and whose wisdom eventually waned due to disobedience, Christ embodies all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom")) eternally and perfectly. The divine initiative seen in God appearing to Solomon is supremely realized in the incarnation, where God Himself "appeared" in human flesh, dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), not merely to offer a gift, but to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice and the source of eternal life. Through Christ, believers are invited into a new covenant where they can boldly approach the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")), asking anything in His name according to God's will ([John 14:13](/john/14-13 "John 14:13 - Ask in My Name")), and receive not just wisdom for earthly governance, but the indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides into all truth and imparts divine understanding for eternal life ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Thus, the extraordinary offer to Solomon foreshadows the infinitely greater access, blessings, and divine presence available to all who are in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

1 Kings 9:2

That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

2 Chronicles 1:7

In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

2 Chronicles 1:12

Wisdom and knowledge [is] granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that [have been] before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.