I am but a little child, &c.— It is plain that Solomon means here, that he was only a little child, a mere infant, in understanding and abilities, to guide and govern so great a people. See Psalms 131:2. Houbigant observes, that the phrase, ובא צאת tseth vabo, to go out or come in, is not only a Hebraism frequent in the sacred writings, but also a similitude taken from a little child, yet unable to walk firmly, and ignorant of all things; such as Solomon professes himself to be, as the ruler of so great a people. It is generally agreed, that he was about twenty years of age when he began to reign. Though Solomon, in his great modesty, might request of God no more than the gift of government, or, as he expresses it, 1 Kings 3:9 an understanding heart, to judge the people, and to discern between good and evil; yet God, out of his abundant grace, gave him a general knowledge of all other things, as the succeeding history informs us; and that, whereas other men gather their knowledge from study and observation, Solomon had his by an immediate inspiration from God; insomuch that he who went to bed as ignorant as other men, awaked in the morning as an angel of God. But though his knowledge of things was in a great measure infused, yet he did not therefore neglect his study: he gave his heart to seek, and search out by his wisdom, concerning all things under the sun; in which search, as himself testifies, Ecclesiastes 1:13 he took no small pains: so that his gifts extraordinary did not supersede the use of other means in the acquisition of knowledge; but, by application and experience, he perfected what he had so advantageously received from the hands of God.
REFLECTIONS.—Solomon having waited upon God, he mercifully visits him in return.
1. The same night after he had spent his day with him, in a vision, by a supernatural dream, God reveals himself to him, and makes him a gracious offer to grant whatever he should request. Note; (1.) They who wait upon God in prayer and praise, will find him speedy in his returns of benediction. (2.) When the outward senses are locked up in sleep, the souls of God's people are still capable of divine manifestations, and may, and sometimes do, receive gracious communications from him. (3.) God still says to every praying believer, What is thy request, and it shall be given thee?
2. Solomon's pious choice is recorded. Though asleep to the eyes of men, yet awake to God, he pours out his grateful acknowledgements, and puts up his fervent prayer. Note; That which engages us most when we are awake, will even in sleep still be our employment. Many a fervent prayer the spirit has breathed, when the body has been wrapped in slumbers. He mentions with deep gratitude God's mercy to his father David whilst alive, and now after his death, in bringing himself, his son, to the throne. His father's piety he honourably speaks of, as what he wished to imitate; his own insufficiency for the high station in which God had placed him, he humbly confesses, being but a child in his own eyes in wisdom and understanding, and his vast kingdom requiring the deepest judgment to govern it aright; therefore he requests an understanding heart, that he might be enabled to administer impartial justice, and to reign in uprightness to God's glory, and for his people's good. Note; (1.) A good child will remember his father's excellencies to imitate them, and draw a veil over his sins. (2.) The wisest men are most sensible of their own ignorance. (3.) They who feel most the weight and difficulty of their office, will be best enabled to fulfil it, because they will be looking for strength and wisdom from above. (4.) An understanding heart is the gift of God.
3. God favourably accepted his request. He was pleased with the wisdom of his choice, in preferring spiritual blessings before temporal, the glory of God before his own advantage; he therefore not only bestows the wisdom that Solomon asked, but superadds riches and honour; and promises farther, long life to enjoy them, on condition that he should approve himself faithful. Note; (1.) When we seek God's kingdom in the first place, he has promised to add all other things thereto. (2.) Riches and honours are then truly blessings, when God bestows the wisdom and grace to improve them aright. (3.) If any man want spiritual wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth liberally, beyond all we can ask or think.
4. Solomon awoke, and behold it was a dream; yet not, as dreams usually are, empty and vain, but followed by the real communication of the wisdom then promised him. On his return to Jerusalem, therefore, he offers a great and grateful sacrifice, and rejoices before the ark of the covenant, with all his servants, who partook in his joy, and shared in his entertainment.