2 Chronicles 1:10

KJV

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, [that is so] great?

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H5414} me now wisdom {H2451} and knowledge {H4093}, that I may go out {H3318} and come in {H935} before {H6440} this people {H5971}: for who can judge {H8199} this thy people {H5971}, that is so great {H1419}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, give me wisdom and knowledge; so that I will be able to lead this people. For who is equal to judging this great people of yours?"

Berean Standard Bible

Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”

American Standard Version

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 1:10 captures King Solomon's profound and humble prayer to God, where he requests wisdom and knowledge above all else. Recognizing the immense and sacred responsibility of leading God's vast and chosen people, Solomon prioritizes divine enablement over personal gain, seeking the necessary discernment and understanding to govern justly and effectively. This pivotal moment not only sets the stage for his celebrated reign, marked by unparalleled wisdom and prosperity, but also powerfully illustrates God's generous response to a leader who genuinely seeks His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the theological climax of a significant encounter between God and Solomon at Gibeon. Immediately following his ascension to the throne after his father David's death, Solomon travels to Gibeon, a prominent high place where the Tabernacle of the Lord and the brazen altar were located, and offers a thousand burnt offerings as an act of worship and dedication [2 Chronicles 1:3-6](/2_chronicles/1-3 "Solomon's Offerings at Gibeon"). In response to this grand display of devotion, God appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for anything he desires [2 Chronicles 1:7](/2_chronicles/1-7 "God's Invitation to Solomon"). Rather than requesting personal wealth, long life, or victory over enemies, Solomon's response in [2 Chronicles 1:8-9](/2_chronicles/1-8 "Solomon's Acknowledgment of God's Kindness") and then this verse, [2 Chronicles 1:10](/2_chronicles/1-10 "Solomon's Request for Wisdom"), reveals his profound understanding of his kingly duty and his absolute dependence on God. This selfless request directly precedes God's generous response, granting him not only wisdom but also riches and honor, thereby establishing the foundation for the Chronicler's narrative of Solomon's glorious and divinely blessed reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon inherits a unified and strong kingdom from his father, David, whose reign had successfully established Jerusalem as the political and religious capital. However, at this early stage of his reign, the Tabernacle, a central element of Israelite worship since the Exodus, was still located at Gibeon, a significant "high place" where legitimate sacrifices were offered before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The act of offering a thousand burnt offerings was an extraordinary public display of devotion and an appeal for divine favor at the outset of his rule, demonstrating his commitment to the covenant. In the ancient Near East, the role of a king encompassed not only military leadership but also crucial judicial functions, requiring immense wisdom and discernment to administer justice among the people. The phrase "go out and come in" is a common ancient Semitic idiom signifying the full scope of one's public life, leadership, and daily activities, emphasizing the constant engagement and discernment required of a ruler. Solomon's acknowledgment of the people's "greatness" underscores the demographic and administrative challenge of governing a large and diverse nation, particularly one considered God's own.

* **Key Themes:** Solomon's request in [2 Chronicles 1:10](/2_chronicles/1-10 "Solomon's Request for Wisdom") powerfully articulates several key themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Selfless Leadership**, as Solomon's focus is entirely on his duty to God and his people, rather than personal gain, setting a stark contrast to typical human ambitions for power or wealth. This selfless posture is a prerequisite for divine blessing. Secondly, it underscores **The Need for Divine Wisdom**, as Solomon explicitly acknowledges his own inadequacy ("for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?") and recognizes that only divine wisdom and knowledge can enable him to effectively lead and judge God's vast and important nation. This reinforces the biblical principle that true, effective leadership—especially over God's covenant people—requires God's enablement, not merely human acumen. Finally, the verse showcases **Humility and Responsibility**, as Solomon, despite inheriting a powerful kingdom, approaches his immense role with a profound sense of humility, understanding the weighty implications of the crown and the spiritual significance of leading God's chosen nation. This humility is a consistent biblical principle for receiving God's grace and empowerment, as seen in God's subsequent response to his prayer in [2 Chronicles 1:11-12](/2_chronicles/1-11 "God's Response to Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this term refers to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to apply understanding to real-life situations. It encompasses not merely intellectual knowledge but the capacity to act skillfully and prudently in governance, judgment, and daily affairs. Solomon sought the practical sagacity required to rule justly and effectively, reflecting a deep understanding of the demands of his office.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _maddâʻ'_):** From H4093, this word implies intelligence, consciousness, and insight, often carrying a connotation of discernment and moral judgment. While _chokmâh_ is about the application of understanding, _maddâʻ_ is about the foundational perception of truth and reality, crucial for a just ruler to distinguish right from wrong, understand complex situations, and make equitable decisions.
* **Go out and come in (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_ and _bôwʼ'_):** From H3318 and H935 respectively, this is a common Hebrew idiom signifying the totality or full scope of one's public life, activities, and responsibilities. For a king, it encompassed everything from leading the army in battle ("going out") to administering justice in the city gates ("coming in"), managing daily affairs, and interacting with the populace. Solomon's request was for comprehensive divine guidance in all aspects of his kingly duties, indicating a desire for God's presence and direction in every public act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give me now wisdom and knowledge":** This is Solomon's direct, humble, and urgent petition to God. The immediate "now" reflects the pressing need for divine endowment as he assumes the immense responsibilities of kingship. His prioritization of these spiritual and intellectual gifts over material wealth or personal power reveals a profound understanding of his role as God's chosen leader for Israel.
* **"that I may go out and come in before this people":** This clause clarifies the explicit purpose of his request. The wisdom and knowledge are not sought for personal gain, intellectual curiosity, or self-aggrandizement, but specifically for the practical and comprehensive task of leading, governing, and interacting with the vast Israelite population. It signifies his desire for comprehensive divine guidance in all his public and administrative functions as king, encompassing every decision and interaction.
* **"for who can judge this thy people, [that is so] great?":** This rhetorical question serves as Solomon's profound confession of inadequacy and a powerful justification for his request. He acknowledges the immense, overwhelming nature of the task of governing God's chosen people, emphasizing that they are "thy people" – God's possession – which implies a higher, divine standard of governance. This recognition of his own human limitations and the divine ownership of the people underscores his absolute dependence on God for enablement and the wisdom necessary to fulfill such a sacred trust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey Solomon's humility and the magnitude of his request. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("for who can judge this thy people, [that is so] great?"), which Solomon uses not to elicit a direct answer, but to powerfully emphasize the human impossibility of the task without divine aid and to underscore his own humility and profound dependence on God. This question highlights the immense weight of his responsibility and the unique nature of governing God's covenant people. Furthermore, the **Idiom** "go out and come in" succinctly conveys the totality and comprehensive nature of the king's public duties and daily interactions, implying a pervasive need for constant, divine wisdom across all aspects of leadership. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between Solomon's initial posture of humility and selflessness in this request and the later narrative of his unparalleled wisdom, riches, and honor, which serves to highlight God's generous and overflowing response to a selfless and God-honoring petition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Solomon's request for wisdom and knowledge stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that true leadership, especially within God's kingdom, is not founded on human strength, cunning, or self-sufficiency, but on divine enablement and discernment. His profound humility in recognizing the overwhelming nature of leading God's "great" people serves as an enduring model for all who are called to positions of influence, whether in the church, family, or society. God's immediate and generous response demonstrates His pleasure in those who prioritize His purposes and the well-being of His people over personal ambition. This narrative underscores that God delights in bestowing wisdom upon those who genuinely seek it for righteous governance and service, demonstrating His faithfulness to equip those He calls.

* [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "Solomon's Prayer for a Discerning Heart")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "God Gives Wisdom Generously to Those Who Ask")
* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "The Lord Gives Wisdom and Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's humble and selfless request in 2 Chronicles 1:10 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today, regardless of their formal position or daily circumstances. It challenges us to critically examine our own priorities and the nature of our prayers. Do we, like Solomon, seek first what aligns with God's purposes and enables us to serve others effectively, or are our petitions primarily focused on personal gain, comfort, or power? This passage powerfully reminds us that in any role—whether as a parent, employee, community member, or church leader—we are called to acknowledge our inherent limitations and seek God's divine wisdom. The task of living a life pleasing to God, navigating complex decisions, and influencing others for good is far too great for our own strength, intellect, or experience alone. Just as Solomon needed divine wisdom to "go out and come in" before his people, we need God's discernment to navigate the complexities of our own lives and responsibilities. Embracing humility and recognizing our absolute dependence on God for guidance and strength is foundational to effective living and leadership that truly honors Him and bears lasting fruit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific responsibilities or challenges in your life currently require divine wisdom, and how are you actively seeking it from God?**
* **In what areas might you be relying on your own strength, understanding, or past experience rather than humbly seeking God's enablement?**
* **How does Solomon's humility before God, despite his immense power, challenge your approach to leadership, service, or even daily tasks and interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon go to Gibeon instead of Jerusalem to make his offerings and encounter God?**

Answer: At this early stage of Solomon's reign, the Tabernacle of Meeting, which contained the great bronze altar, was located at Gibeon. While the Ark of the Covenant had been brought by David to Jerusalem, Gibeon remained a significant high place and a legitimate, established center of worship and sacrifice for the unified kingdom before the glorious Temple in Jerusalem was built. Solomon's journey to Gibeon and his grand offerings there demonstrated his commitment to traditional worship and sought God's blessing at a historically significant sacred site, fulfilling the established religious practices of the time.

**What does the idiom "go out and come in" truly mean for a leader in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "go out and come in" is an ancient Semitic idiom that signifies the totality and full scope of one's public life, activities, and responsibilities. For a king, it encompassed all aspects of governance: leading the army in military campaigns ("going out"), administering justice in the city gates ("coming in"), managing daily affairs, interacting with the populace, and making all decisions that affected the kingdom. Solomon's request for wisdom and knowledge to "go out and come in" before his people means he was asking for comprehensive divine guidance and discernment in every single facet of his kingly duties, from the most public and strategic to the most mundane and relational. He desired God's enabling presence in his entire public life.

**How does Solomon's request for wisdom and knowledge differ from what most people would ask for if given such an opportunity by God?**

Answer: Most people, if given the chance to ask for anything, would likely request personal blessings such as immense wealth, a long life, victory over enemies, greater power, or widespread fame. Solomon, however, explicitly rejected these common desires, as noted in [2 Chronicles 1:11](/2_chronicles/1-11 "God's Pleasure in Solomon's Request"), where God affirms that Solomon "did not ask for riches, wealth, or honor, nor for the life of your enemies, nor did you even ask for long life." Instead, he asked for wisdom and knowledge specifically for the benefit of God's people and for the faithful fulfillment of his kingly duty to govern justly. This selfless, God-centered focus on his responsibility to lead God's people demonstrated remarkable spiritual maturity and pleased God greatly, leading to God's generous bestowal of not only the wisdom he sought but also the very things Solomon did not ask for: unparalleled riches and honor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's profound request for wisdom and knowledge, and God's subsequent granting of unparalleled discernment, points forward to a greater King and a more perfect wisdom embodied in Jesus Christ. While Solomon was indeed the wisest man of his age, his wisdom, though divinely given, was ultimately limited and imperfect, as evidenced by his later moral failures and the division of his kingdom. Jesus, however, is not merely wise; He *is* the very wisdom of God incarnate, the eternal Word through whom all things were made [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God and Creator"). In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge"), signifying that He is the ultimate source and embodiment of all true understanding. The Queen of the South traveled far to hear Solomon's wisdom [Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "The Queen of the South and Solomon's Wisdom"), yet Jesus declared that "something greater than Solomon is here," for He is the "wisdom from God" for His people [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ, Our Wisdom"). Jesus perfectly fulfills the kingly role of "going out and coming in" before His people, not merely as a human ruler but as the divine Shepherd and righteous Judge. He perfectly discerns, perfectly administers justice, and perfectly leads His people with absolute righteousness and truth, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never fail [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "His Kingdom Will Never End"). His reign is eternal, and His wisdom is the inexhaustible source of all true understanding, life, and salvation for all who believe [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

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

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Proverbs 2:2

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

2 Samuel 5:2

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

2 Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;

Proverbs 3:13

¶ Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.