Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 1:11
God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart instead of requesting riches or wealth or honor for yourself or death for your enemies—and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king—
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God speaks to Solomon immediately after the king’s prayer for wisdom and knowledge to govern Israel. This exchange occurs at the beginning of Solomon’s reign, directly responding to his petition in 2 Chronicles 1:10.
The words — יַ֣עַן (Ya'an) translates literally as "because" or "since," introducing God’s stated reason for granting the request. אֱלֹהִ֣ים ('Elohim) identifies the speaker as God, grounding the dialogue in divine authority.
The thread — The priority of governing God’s people over personal gain echoes James 3:17, which describes heavenly wisdom as pure and peace-loving. The contrast between outward appearance and inward heart aligns with 1 Samuel 16:7, where God rejects human standards.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to examine whether their requests prioritize serving God’s people over securing personal advantage. It demands a heart oriented toward divine governance rather than self-interest.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
Cross-references
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
- Proverbs 23:7 for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
- 1 Kings 3:11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice—
- 1 Kings 3:28 When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.
- James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
- 1 Kings 8:18 But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart.
- 1 Chronicles 28:2 Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it,
- Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.