2 Chronicles 1:7

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

In that night {H3915} did God {H430} appear {H7200} unto Solomon {H8010}, and said {H559} unto him, Ask {H7592} what I shall give {H5414} thee.

That night God appeared to Shlomo and said to him, "Tell me what I should give you."

That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 1:7 records a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon, immediately following his grand act of worship at Gibeon. This verse marks the direct, personal encounter between God and the newly appointed monarch, setting the stage for Solomon’s famous request for wisdom.

Context

This divine encounter occurs "in that night" after Solomon, along with the assembly of Israel, offered a thousand burnt offerings on the bronze altar at the high place in Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:6). Gibeon was a significant place of worship before the Temple was built in Jerusalem. This lavish sacrifice was not merely a ritual but an act of profound devotion and seeking God's favor at the commencement of his kingship, inheriting the throne from his father, King David. The parallel account in 1 Kings 3:5 confirms this significant event, highlighting God's direct response to Solomon's worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative: God takes the initiative to appear to Solomon, demonstrating His active involvement in the affairs of His people and their leaders. This was not an accidental encounter but a purposeful manifestation of God's presence.
  • Unprecedented Invitation: The phrase "Ask what I shall give thee" is an extraordinary offer, a divine "blank check" that reveals God's boundless generosity and willingness to bless those who seek Him. It presents Solomon with a profound test of his priorities and desires.
  • Divine Favor: God's direct appearance and open invitation signify His favor upon Solomon, affirming his kingship and indicating a readiness to empower him for the immense task of leading Israel and building the Temple.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "appear" (נִרְאָה, nir'ah) is the Nifal form of the verb *ra'ah*, meaning "to see." In this passive-reflexive form, it indicates a clear, visible manifestation or a direct revelation. It emphasizes that God did not merely send a message or an angelic messenger, but He Himself was present in a discernible way to Solomon, highlighting the personal and direct nature of the divine encounter.

Significance and Application

This verse highlights the principle that God responds to genuine devotion and seeking. Solomon's extensive sacrifice demonstrated his earnest desire for God's blessing and guidance at the start of his reign. In response, God extended an unparalleled opportunity to the young king. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's openness to our prayers and His desire to engage with us. Like Solomon, we are invited to consider what truly matters when we approach God, remembering the promise that if we "ask, and it shall be given" (Matthew 7:7). Solomon's subsequent request for wisdom, rather than wealth or power, became a model for seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first, trusting Him to provide all other necessities.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 7:7 (12 votes)

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Matthew 7:8 (12 votes)

    For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

  • 1 John 5:14 (10 votes)

    ¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

  • 1 John 5:15 (10 votes)

    And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

  • Proverbs 3:5 (7 votes)

    Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

  • Proverbs 3:6 (7 votes)

    In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

  • John 16:23 (7 votes)

    And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.