2 Chronicles 1:10

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?

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}?

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?"

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

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

2 Chronicles 1:10 captures a pivotal moment in the reign of King Solomon, immediately after he has succeeded his father, David. This verse records Solomon's humble and profound request to God, setting the stage for his celebrated wisdom and prosperity.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following King David's glorious reign and preparations for the Temple, Solomon assumes the throne. He travels to Gibeon, a significant high place where the Tabernacle of the Lord and the brazen altar were located, and offers a thousand burnt offerings (2 Chronicles 1:3-6). In response, God appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for anything (2 Chronicles 1:7). Instead of requesting wealth, long life, or victory over his enemies, Solomon, recognizing the immense responsibility of leading God's chosen nation, asks for wisdom and knowledge. The phrase "go out and come in" is an ancient idiom signifying the full scope of one's public life, leadership, and daily activities, emphasizing the constant engagement and discernment required of a ruler.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Selfless Leadership: Solomon's request demonstrates a remarkable focus on his duty to God and his people, rather than personal gain. This selfless desire for wisdom to govern justly stands in stark contrast to typical human ambitions.
  • The Need for Divine Wisdom: Solomon acknowledges his own inadequacy ("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 highlights the biblical principle that true leadership requires God's enablement.
  • Humility and Responsibility: The verse showcases Solomon's initial humility as he steps into the immense role of king, understanding the weight of the crown and the spiritual significance of leading God's covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms requested by Solomon are chokmah (ื—ึธื›ึฐืžึธื”), typically translated as "wisdom," and da'at (ื“ึทึผืขึทืช), meaning "knowledge" or "discernment." Chokmah often refers to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to apply understanding to real-life situations, while da'at implies understanding, insight, and acquaintance with facts. Solomon sought both the practical ability to govern and the intellectual capacity to discern right from wrong, crucial for a just ruler.

Practical Application

Solomon's request in 2 Chronicles 1:10 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly those in positions of leadership, but also for every individual:

  • Prioritize God's Will: Like Solomon, we should seek what aligns with God's purposes rather than our selfish desires. When our requests are for His glory and the good of others, God is pleased to grant them (compare 1 John 5:14).
  • Seek Divine Wisdom: In any role or decision, we are encouraged to seek God's wisdom, acknowledging our limitations. The Bible promises that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith (James 1:5).
  • Embrace Humility: Solomon's humility before God is a powerful example. Recognizing our dependence on God for guidance and strength is foundational to effective living and leadership.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 3:9 (11 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 2:6 (6 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 4:7 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 5:2 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 3:13 (4 votes)

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