Who can govern the people of God adequately? Solomon trembled and was apprehensive about this sacred task of leading God’s flock. He certainly has a right estimate of himself and the perspective of this immense task.
It is not the sheer size of the population, but instead, God had made them in His image and they deserved the best leader. Solomon asked for understanding. The understanding heart is wise, receptive and has a listening heart (v9).
So, we want to rule and govern?
These is the checklist.
Are we receptive to all? It counters prejudice and favouritism.
Are we wise? In the multitude of counsellors there is victory.
Are we willing to listen? It takes not only time and patience but also compassion.
Can we pray for an understanding heart to judge and discern good and evil? Cry to God for His revelatory gifts of the Spirit.
Here is a template for leaders and shepherds to pray the Solomonic prayer.
1) Pray for compassion, wisdom, patience and a listening ear. Pray against favouritism, prejudice and apathy. These “great people” that belong to God, should be handle with care
(Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” v9).
2) Pray for the right thing for the right sacred task. God is pleased as we asked for this thing
(The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing,v10,11).
3) Pray sacrificially and not for self-interest and self-preservation. Not for a long life.
(and have not asked long life for yourselfv11).
4) Pray at the detriment of self, i.e., the loss of time, energy, finance and resources. Not for riches.
(nor have asked riches for yourself v11).
5) Pray objectively and with forgiveness. Not for revenge on enemies
(nor have asked the life of your enemies v11).
6) Pray to do the task with the application of understanding, wisdom, discernment, knowledge and revelation.
(but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice v11).
7) The reward for prayers – Be the wisest of all time.
(There has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you v12).
8) The reward for prayers – Given what was not asked
(Given you what you have not asked: both riches and honour, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days v13).
Prayer of Kings (1)
