Ask for Wisdom: 2 Chronicles 1’s Divine Invitation

Scriptures for Today: 2 Chronicles 1:1-12

2 Chronicles 1:1-12
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.  2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.  3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.  4 But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.  5 Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.  6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.  7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.  8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.  9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.  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?  11 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:  12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

Introduction to 2 Chronicles 1: The Crown and the Covenant

The story of the Bible up to this point is the story of God’s unfolding plan — creation, covenant, failure, and faithfulness.

God formed the world in perfection, but man fell in pride. From Adam’s sin came the curse, but from God’s mercy came a promise — a Redeemer who would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). From there, the line of promise ran through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel.

Through Abraham, God promised a nation and a seed; through Moses, He gave the law and the tabernacle; through Joshua, He gave them the land. But Israel’s heart continually wandered. In the days of the Judges, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

Then came the kings. The people demanded a king like the nations — and they got Saul, tall but faithless. Saul’s pride cost him the throne. God then raised up David, a shepherd after His own heart. David conquered enemies, united the tribes, and brought the ark to Jerusalem — but his sins left scars on the nation and his family.

Even so, God made a covenant with David: that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16). That promise was not about politics — it pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom shall never end.

Now, as 2 Chronicles begins, David’s reign is over. The warrior-king has passed, and his son Solomon steps onto the stage. The sword gives way to the scepter. The man of war is replaced by the man of peace.

But before Solomon builds a temple or leads a nation, he kneels before God. Where 1 Kings shows us the political rise of Solomon, 2 Chronicles shows us his spiritual posture — his heart bowed before the Lord.

The book opens not with rebellion like Adonijah’s or judgment like Ahaziah’s, but with worship and wisdom. Solomon inherits not just a kingdom — he inherits a covenant. His throne exists because of God’s promise to David.

And in this first chapter, we witness a divine invitation unlike any other: God Himself appears and says, “Ask what I shall give thee.” Imagine if God asked you that same question right now. “Ask me for whatever you want and I’ll give it to you.” You want to be wise.

This is a turning point in Israel’s story — and a picture for us. The kingdom’s future doesn’t begin with wealth, armies, or alliances. It begins with a king who knows he needs wisdom from above. The strength of a leader, a home, a church, and a nation doesn’t begin with might or money — it begins with wisdom from God.

Outline of 1 Chronicles 29 , 2 Chronicles 1, and 2 Chronicles 2

1 Chronicles 29
1–5. David dedicates the temple materials and gives of his own treasure to the LORD.
6–9. The leaders and people give willingly and rejoice in their offerings.
10–19. David blesses the LORD before all Israel, praising His greatness and mercy.
20–25. Solomon is anointed king and established on David’s throne.
26–28. David reigns forty years and dies in honor, leaving Solomon to continue the covenant.

2 Chronicles 1
1. Solomon is strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD is with him.
2–6. He gathers Israel’s leaders and offers a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon.
7–10. God appears to Solomon by night and tells him to ask what He shall give him.
11–12. Solomon asks for wisdom, and God grants it—along with riches, wealth, and honor.
13–17. Solomon returns to Jerusalem and grows in prosperity and power.

2 Chronicles 2
1–2. Solomon appoints workers to build the house of the LORD.
3–6. He sends to Hiram king of Tyre for skilled labor and cedar wood.
7–10. Solomon requests a master craftsman and offers generous payment.
11–16. Hiram blesses God and agrees to supply all needed materials.
17–18. Solomon numbers the strangers in the land and sets them to work on the temple.

Focus on 2 Chronicles 1:1–12

2 Chronicles 1 shows us that God blesses the one who seeks Him first. Solomon’s reign begins not with self-exaltation like Adonijah, nor rebellion like Absalom, but with prayer and humility. God appears to Solomon at Gibeon and gives him a blank check: “Ask what I shall give thee.”

Solomon asks not for wealth or victory, but for wisdom to rule well — and God gives both. This passage reveals the heart of divine favor: when we seek wisdom over wealth, God gives both in abundance.

Exposition of 2 Chronicles 1:1–12

Verse 1 — Solomon Strengthened

2 Chronicles 1:1
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.

Solomon’s strength is not political — it’s providential. “The LORD his God was with him.” Every true strength flows from God’s presence. The phrase “magnified him exceedingly” recalls Joshua 3:7, where God magnified Joshua before Israel, confirming his leadership. As Joshua succeeded Moses, Solomon now succeeds David — both standing in the same line of divine appointment.

The true foundation of leadership is not inheritance, but intimacy with God. Solomon’s throne is stable because God established it.

Verses 2–3 — Solomon Gathers Israel at Gibeon

2 Chronicles 1:2–3
Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers. 3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.

Solomon unites the leaders and calls the nation to worship. He doesn’t start his reign with decrees, but with devotion. Gibeon, the site of the ancient tabernacle, still held the brazen altar — the visible reminder of God’s covenant with Israel. This gathering connects Solomon’s new kingship to Israel’s old worship.

God honors those who begin with worship. The king is showing the nation: “Before we rule, we must bow.”

Verse 4 — The Ark and the Tabernacle

2 Chronicles 1:4
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjath-jearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

The ark — God’s presence — had been moved to Jerusalem by David, while the altar remained at Gibeon. The worship centers were divided, showing Israel’s transitional state. Solomon begins by worshiping where the altar still stands — not yet at the temple, but at the place of sacrifice.

This shows that fellowship with God requires atonement. Before wisdom is granted, blood is shed. Before a kingdom is ruled, sin must be covered.

Verses 5–6 — A Thousand Burnt Offerings

2 Chronicles 1:5–6
Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.
6 And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.

The brazen altar — built in Exodus 38 by Bezaleel — still stands as a witness to God’s faithfulness through generations. Solomon offers a thousand burnt offerings — a staggering display of devotion. The burnt offering represents total surrender (Leviticus 1). Solomon is not purchasing God’s favor but proclaiming dependence.

True worship is costly. God is not impressed with quantity, but He responds to sincerity. The fire on the altar still speaks of Christ — the One wholly consumed for us.

Verse 7 — God Appears

2 Chronicles 1:7
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

What a moment — the Creator of heaven and earth asks a man to make a request. This is grace. It’s not earned, it’s invited. God initiates. Solomon didn’t demand this; God came near. God loved Solomon greatly.

“Ask what I shall give thee” is the same heart behind Jesus’ words in John 15:7: “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” The throne of grace is open to those whose hearts are surrendered to God. When you are following His will, He says to ask in faith. And He will give.

This is divine generosity on display. God delights to give wisdom to those who seek it (James 1:5). God loves to give great gifts to His children.

Verses 8–9 — Solomon’s Humble Acknowledgment

2 Chronicles 1:8–9
And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. 9 Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

Solomon begins with gratitude and humility. He recognizes God’s mercy to David and himself. He doesn’t start by boasting of his right to the throne, but by acknowledging God’s promise.

The phrase “like the dust of the earth” recalls God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 13:16). Solomon sees himself as part of a much bigger covenant story. This is covenant continuity — Solomon’s wisdom begins in remembering God’s faithfulness to previous generations.

Verse 10 — Solomon’s Request

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?

Solomon’s prayer is selfless and spiritual. He asks for wisdom and knowledge, not power or prosperity. He desires discernment to lead God’s people well. “Go out and come in” means to conduct the affairs of leadership.

This is what real prayer looks like — not asking for ease, but for enablement. “Who can judge this thy people” shows that Solomon knows the burden of leadership is divine, not political. Wisdom is not intelligence; it’s righteousness applied.

Here we see the heart of a servant king.

Verses 11–12 — God’s Response

2 Chronicles 1:11–12
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: 12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

God blesses Solomon’s priorities. Because his heart was right, his request was right. The Lord not only gives what he asked for but also adds what he didn’t. This fulfills Matthew 6:33 centuries early: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

God rewards humility with abundance. Solomon’s wisdom points us forward to Christ, “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Solomon’s glory was temporary; Christ’s is eternal.

Doctrinal Truths in 2 Chronicles 1:1–12

1. The Doctrine of Divine Favor (v.1; Ps 127:1) – True strength and success come only from God’s presence and blessing.
2. The Doctrine of Worship Before Work (vv.2–6) – Solomon sought God before ruling Israel; worship precedes wisdom.
3. The Doctrine of God’s Invitation (v.7; John 15:7) – God delights in inviting His people to ask; He is the initiator of grace.
4. The Doctrine of Humble Leadership (vv.8–10; Micah 6:8) – True greatness begins with humility and dependence on God’s Word.
5. The Doctrine of Rewarding Priorities (vv.11–12; Matt 6:33) – When we seek God’s wisdom first, He adds what we didn’t seek.

Practical Applications for 2 Chronicles 1:1–12

1. Start Every New Season at the Altar – Solomon began his reign by worship; start every new chapter in prayer.
2. Ask for Wisdom, Not Wealth – God honors the heart that values discernment over material success.
3. Remember Whose People They Are – Solomon said, “Thy people.” Leaders must never forget that those they serve belong to God.
4. Let Gratitude Guard Your Heart – Solomon first thanked God for His mercy before making any request.
5. Trust God’s Additions – When your priorities are right, God gives what you didn’t even ask for.

Warnings and Encouragements from 2 Chronicles 1:1–12

Warnings

• Beware of Self-Reliance – Solomon could have depended on inheritance or intellect, but chose to depend on God.
• Beware of Empty Worship – Gibeon’s altar meant nothing without a surrendered heart.
• Beware of Misplaced Desires – Many ask God for blessings, few ask for wisdom.

Encouragements

• God Still Speaks to Those Who Seek Him – The same God who spoke to Solomon at Gibeon speaks today through His Word.
• God Gives Beyond What We Ask – His generosity exceeds our imagination.
• God’s Wisdom Still Builds Kingdoms – Families, churches, and nations rise or fall by the wisdom of God.

The Gospel Connection in 2 Chronicles 1:1–12

Solomon asked for wisdom; Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Solomon was granted understanding to rule a nation; Christ rules the universe with perfect righteousness.

Where Solomon built a temple of gold, Jesus builds a temple of redeemed hearts.

God’s invitation to Solomon — “Ask what I shall give thee” — becomes the believer’s invitation through Christ: “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). God tells His children to ask for what they desire. And when we desire the good things of God, He gives us those things.

Wisdom is no longer a gift to be granted once — it’s a Person to be known forever.

Conclusion: The Power of 2 Chronicles 1’s Divine Invitation

Solomon’s first act as king wasn’t conquest — it was communion. He asked for wisdom, and God gave it in abundance.

When you seek God’s wisdom above all else, He takes care of everything else.

One-Sentence Takeaway: The wisest thing you’ll ever do is ask God for wisdom.

Let’s pray.