“The Kings - Solomon”

​B I B L E  B I T S  &  B I T E S
Devotions for Families

Season 4: Kings
Episode 3: “The Kings - Solomon”
Today’s Bible Bite: 1 Kings 3:1-15

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVFW3wbi9pk (The Bible Project – for parents and older children)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY_rWsbru0U... (Sharefaithkids.com)
“Lord, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:9)

King David had many sons, some of whom wanted to be king, but David made it clear that his son Solomon would serve as the next king. So, after King David died, Solomon became the next king; however, he knew that this was going to be a very difficult job. He prayed to God and made an offering to God. God was pleased with Solomon and in a dream told him that he could ask for anything and God would give it to him. Solomon knew just what to pray for. He asked God for wisdom.

Solomon could have asked for lots of money, for long life, for success against his enemies, but he asked God to give him wisdom so that he could make good decisions as the king of the Israelites. God was very happy with his request and promised to also give Solomon everything he hadn’t asked for—treasures, long life and success in everything that he did. During Solomon’s rule he wrote many proverbs and people came from all around just to talk with him—they came for his good guidance and because he could explain many things. The Bible says that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived…all because he made a good choice when he had asked God for wisdom.

Think about it...
• King David chose his son Solomon to be the next king after him. How might his other brothers have felt about that?
• King Solomon knew that he needed help. When God asked Solomon what he wanted most, what did Solomon ask for?
• God gave Solomon incredible wisdom, but sometimes he still chose to make bad decisions. What was one of King Solomon’s bad choices?
• King Solomon turned away from God as he became more successful. Why do you think that success made him less loyal to God?
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Prayer: Thank you, God, that we can please you when we make good choices. Thank you, too, that you like to give us good gifts. Help us to always remember to be loyal to you and not take credit for the good things you do for us.