1 Kings 3:4

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom · 1 Kings 3:1–15
Read 1 Kings 3

Translations

Modern
Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there.
Traditional
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
Literal
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.
Latin
Abiit itaque in Gabaon, ut immolaret ibi: illud quippe erat excelsum maximum: mille hostias in holocaustum obtulit Salomon super altare illud in Gabaon.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there.

Notes

The city of Gibeon was six miles northwest of Jerusalem. Its altar was known as the great high place. It was a major worship site for large sacrifices. Gibeon also hosted the tabernacle (a sacred tent used for worship) (1 Chronicles 16:39–40; 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:2–6).

The story of God giving wisdom to Solomon is told as a chiasm (a mirrored structure where A and B reflect B' and A'). It highlights Solomon's interaction with the Lord:

  • A: While Solomon was sacrificing at Gibeon, the Lord appeared to him in a dream (1 Kings 3:4–5).

    • B: Solomon asked for wisdom to govern his people fairly and effectively (1 Kings 3:6–9).

    • B’: The Lord agreed to his request and gave him extra blessings (1 Kings 3:10–14).

  • A’: Solomon woke up from the dream and made more sacrifices to the Lord (1 Kings 3:15).

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 1:1–13 Psalm 45:1–17 Psalm 72:1–20

People

Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Places

Gibeon: Hivite city that tricked Joshua into a peace treaty

Glossary

Gibeon, Gibeonites High Place King Kings, Books of First and Second Solomon (Person)

Topics

Children: Solomon Dream of Solomon, Concerning his Choice of Wisdom Gibeon: A City of the Hivites: Solomon Worships At, and offers Sacrifices Gibeon: A City of the Hivites: The Tabernacle Located At High Places: A Term Used to Describe Places of Worship High Places: Gibeon High Places: God Sometimes Worshipped On Prayer: Answered: Solomon, Asking for Wisdom Solomon: His Idolatry