Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Kings 3:5-15

"In Gibeon Jehovah appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father great lovingkindness, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great lovingkindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Jehovah my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child; I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give thy servant therefore an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this thy great people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice; behold, I have done according to thy word: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there hath been none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee, all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream: and he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and offered up burnt-offerings, and offered peace-offerings, and made a feast to all his servants." — 1 Kings 3:5-15 (ASV)

Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision and to make a suitable choice. God, in the same way, prepares the way for us to be happy by assuring us we will have what we need and what we pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, with the powers of reason least active, showed that it came from the grace of God.

Having a humble sense of his own needs and weakness, he pleads, Lord, I am but a little child. The wiser and more considerate people are, the better acquainted they are with their own weakness, and the more wary of themselves. Solomon begs God to give him wisdom. We must pray for it (James 1:5), so that it may help us in our particular calling and in the various situations we encounter.

Those who prefer spiritual blessings to earthly good are accepted by God. It was a prevailing prayer, and it prevailed for more than he asked. God gave him wisdom, such as no other prince was ever blessed with, and also gave him riches and honour. If we ensure we obtain wisdom and grace, these will bring outward prosperity with them, or sweeten the lack of it.

The way to obtain spiritual blessings is to wrestle with God in prayer for them. The way to obtain earthly blessings is to commit them to God. Solomon was given wisdom because he asked for it, and wealth because he did not ask for it.