Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 1:7
That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — God speaks directly to Solomon immediately after Solomon finishes offering a thousand burnt offerings on the bronze altar at the Tent of Meeting. This divine appearance occurs during the night following the dedication sacrifices.
The words — The imperative שְׁאַל (she'al) means "ask" and is paired with מָה (mah), meaning "what?" God's response uses these verbs to issue an open invitation for Solomon to specify his request.
The thread — This divine command to ask runs through Jesus' instruction to "Ask, and it will be given you" (Matthew 7:7) and connects to the New Testament assurance that God hears requests aligned with His will (1 John 5:14; John 16:23).
Why it lands — The text requires Solomon to formulate a specific request rather than remain passive. It establishes that divine provision follows explicit inquiry.
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
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
Cross-references
- Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
- 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
- John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
- Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
- 1 Kings 3:5 One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”
- Mark 10:36 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He inquired.
- Mark 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”