Joel M Bradshaw

 9So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”–1 Kings 3

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  (Deuteronomy 6:4)

1. God allowed Solomon to ask for a special gift or ability to help him to rule.
2. Solomon saw his role as a judge and wanted a heart of understanding.
3. This word is directly related to the famous “Shema” that many Orthodox Jewish individuals still pray daily.
4. The word also translates “hear, obey, understand, listen.”
5. Solomon wanted a new heart that not only would understand right from wrong, but also would apply that in life.
6. We look forward to see if Solomon indeed applies this heart of understanding in his life, or if he allows himself to stray.
7. What about your heart? Do you turn to the Bible for understanding? Do you pursue biblical counsel from trusted mentors to aid in your discernment? Do you pray to God for help to understand and apply the Bible in your situation? I have spent my life in this pursuit.–JMB