Overview of Day 143: Solomon Asks for Wisdom (2026)
In this episode of Bible in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads 1 Kings 1, 2 Chronicles 1, and Psalm 43, focusing on the transition from David to Solomon, Solomon’s request for wisdom, and the ongoing biblical theme that giftedness is not the same as obedience. The episode also includes a prayer rooted in Psalm 43 about hope in suffering and God’s nearness in grief.
Scripture Reading Summary
1 Kings 1: The Struggle for David’s Throne
- David is old and weak, unable to keep warm, and Abishag the Shunammite is brought in to care for him.
- Adonijah, another of David’s sons, tries to seize the throne:
- He gathers supporters, including Joab and Abiathar the priest.
- He excludes Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, and Solomon.
- Nathan and Bathsheba intervene, reminding David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him.
- David responds decisively:
- He orders Solomon to be placed on his mule.
- Zadok the priest and Nathan anoint Solomon king at Gihon.
- The people rejoice, confirming Solomon’s kingship.
- Adonijah’s celebration collapses:
- He fears Solomon and seeks refuge at the altar.
- Solomon shows restraint, sparing him for the moment and sending him home.
2 Chronicles 1: Solomon Asks for Wisdom
- Solomon is established as king, and God is with him.
- He worships at Gibeon and offers a great sacrifice.
- God appears to Solomon and says, “Ask what I shall give you.”
- Solomon asks for:
- Wisdom and knowledge
- The ability to govern God’s people well
- God is pleased because Solomon asked for wisdom instead of wealth, honor, vengeance, or long life.
- God grants him:
- Wisdom and knowledge
- Riches, possessions, and honor as well
- The chapter then notes Solomon’s growing power and wealth, including horses and chariots, which Fr. Mike points out as a warning sign, since it conflicts with the kingly commands in Deuteronomy 17.
Psalm 43: Prayer in Trouble
- The psalm asks God to:
- Vindicate the righteous
- Deliver from deceitful and unjust people
- Lead the soul with light and truth
- It ends with a repeated call to self:
- “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him.”
Key Themes and Takeaways
1. God’s plan prevails, even through human conflict
- Adonijah tries to force the succession, but God’s promise to David stands.
- Solomon becomes king not by self-assertion, but by God’s providence and David’s confirmation.
2. David’s public greatness contrasts with his family weakness
- Fr. Mike highlights a recurring tragedy:
- David is powerful, gifted, and successful in many areas
- But he is failing as a father
- He seems unaware of the turmoil in his own household, which helps set up the problems that follow in Kings.
3. Wisdom is not the same as holiness
- Solomon’s request for wisdom is commendable and God honors it.
- But Fr. Mike stresses that a person can be wise and still disobedient.
- Solomon’s early accumulation of horses and wealth already hints at future problems.
4. Obedience matters more than ability
- A central takeaway of the reflection is:
- Gifts, power, beauty, strength, and wisdom are not enough
- They must be used according to God’s will
- Fr. Mike ties this to the biblical principle that God desires obedience, not sacrifice.
5. Hope remains possible in suffering
- Psalm 43 and the closing prayer emphasize that:
- Even in grief, pain, and discouragement, believers can still hope in God
- God’s love and presence give a stable joy that suffering cannot erase
Fr. Mike’s Reflection and Application
- Pray for obedience, not just success or talent.
- Recognize that every gift is meant to be used for God’s purposes.
- Be alert to the danger of:
- Wisdom without virtue
- Strength without goodness
- Blessing without surrender
- In hardship, take the next good step and trust God to strengthen you.
Notable Practical Takeaway
- The episode’s main challenge is simple but serious:
- Use your gifts in line with God’s will
- Don’t confuse being “gifted” with being faithful
Closing Prayer Emphasis
The episode ends with a prayer asking God to:
- Strengthen listeners in grief and suffering
- Help them keep going when life feels overwhelming
- Fill them with hope, courage, and the ability to take the next step in faith