The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) — Day 143: Solomon Asks for Wisdom (2025)

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Duration: Approximately 21 minutes
Scripture Readings:

• 1 Kings Chapter 1
• 2 Chronicles Chapter 1
• Psalm 43

Introduction

In Day 143 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into pivotal moments in the life of King Solomon, exploring his ascent to the throne and his famous request for wisdom. This episode intertwines readings from 1 Kings Chapter 1, 2 Chronicles Chapter 1, and Psalm 43, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Solomon's early reign and his defining choices.

1 Kings Chapter 1: The Struggle for Succession

Fr. Mike begins by summarizing 1 Kings Chapter 1, highlighting the political turmoil surrounding the succession of King David. As King David grows old and frail, his inability to stay warm leads his servants to seek a young maiden, Abishai the Shunammite, to serve as his nurse. This act sets the stage for the ensuing power struggle.

Key Points:

• Adonijah’s Ambition: Adonijah, one of David’s sons, declares himself king without David’s knowledge. He garners support from notable figures like Joab and Abiathar the priest, organizing chariots and horsemen to solidify his claim (00:26).

  "Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king and David our lord, does not know it." (02:41)

• Bathsheba and Nathan’s Intervention: Recognizing the threat to Solomon’s rightful succession, Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan strategize to inform David of Adonijah’s actions, reminding him of his promise that Solomon would succeed him (02:43).

  "Solomon, your servant, he has not invited. And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon you to tell them who shall sit on the throne." (02:56)

• David’s Response: Prompted by Bathsheba and Nathan, King David reaffirms his oath to establish Solomon as his successor. This leads to a public proclamation where Solomon is anointed king, causing significant uproar in the city as Adonijah’s followers witness the shift in power (05:02).

Notable Quote:

"Even so I will do this day. Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and did obeisance to the king and said, may my lord King David live forever." (05:30)

2 Chronicles Chapter 1: Solomon’s Request for Wisdom

Transitioning to 2 Chronicles Chapter 1, Fr. Mike explores Solomon’s ascension and his profound encounter with God at Gibeon.

Key Points:

• Solomon’s Reign Begins: Solomon establishes himself as king over Israel, and God appears to him, offering to grant him whatever he asks for. Solomon’s choice reflects his humility and deep responsibility (09:48).

  "O Lord God, let your promise to David my father be now fulfilled. For you have made me king over a people as many as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and to come in before this people." (09:50)

• God’s Blessing: Pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom rather than riches or long life, God grants him unparalleled wisdom, riches, and honor (10:09).

  "Wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like." (10:14)

• Solomon’s Accomplishments: Solomon’s early reign is marked by significant achievements, including amassing a vast number of chariots and horsemen, and establishing extensive trade networks, particularly with Egypt and Ku. However, some of these actions, such as importing horses, were in direct disobedience to Deuteronomy 17:16, which warned against multiplying horses or returning to Egypt for chariot training (18:32).

Notable Quote:

"Wisdom is a great virtue, but obedience is even more powerful." (19:34)

Psalm 43: A Prayer in Times of Trouble

Fr. Mike incorporates Psalm 43 as a reflection on seeking God’s guidance and steadfast love during times of distress.

Key Points:

• Seeking Vindication: The psalmist calls upon God to defend his cause against deceitful and unjust men, expressing a deep sense of oppression and mourning (11:29).

  "Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people." (11:29)

• Desire for Divine Light: There is a yearning for God’s truth to lead the psalmist back to joy and worship, highlighting the transformative power of connecting with God even amidst suffering (12:02).

  "Hope in God, for I shall again praise him. My Savior and my God." (12:16)

• Prayer for Strength: The concluding prayer emphasizes reliance on God for strength, especially when burdens become overwhelming, reinforcing the message of finding peace and joy through faith (13:17).

  "Help us take one step forward. Help us take the next good step." (13:09)

Reflections and Insights

Fr. Mike offers profound insights into Solomon’s character and the lessons his story imparts:

• Wisdom and Obedience: While Solomon is granted immense wisdom, his subsequent actions reveal a struggle between his gifts and his obedience to God. His early request for wisdom contrasts with later decisions that deviate from divine commandments, illustrating that wisdom without righteousness can lead to downfall (19:27).

  "Wisdom is a great gift, but obedience is even more powerful." (19:34)

• Leadership and Responsibility: The episode underscores the importance of intentional and attentive leadership. King David’s failure to be attuned to his family leads to a crisis of succession, emphasizing the need for leaders to be vigilant and responsive in all aspects of their lives (14:34).

• Application for Today: Fr. Mike draws parallels between Solomon’s story and the modern Christian’s life, encouraging listeners to use their God-given talents and wisdom in alignment with God’s will. He emphasizes that without obedience, even the greatest gifts can lead one astray.

  "All the power I might have, all the wealth I might have, the health or beauty or strength or wisdom that I might have, they can all lead me somewhere to a dark place if I don't use them to accomplish your will." (20:57)

Conclusion

Day 143 of The Bible in a Year offers a rich exploration of Solomon’s early reign, highlighting the delicate balance between wisdom and obedience. Through detailed scripture readings and insightful reflections, Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages listeners to seek divine guidance and remain steadfast in their faith, ensuring that their gifts are used in accordance with God’s purpose.

Final Prayer: The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s strength and guidance in moments of grief and suffering, reinforcing the overarching theme of reliance on divine support.

"In Jesus name we pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." (13:32)

Listener Takeaways:

• Understand the Importance of Succession Planning: Reflect on the dynamics of leadership and the importance of ensuring that God's will is followed in matters of succession and governance.
• Seek Wisdom and Obedience: Embrace Solomon’s example by prioritizing wisdom and aligning personal desires with divine commandments.
• Rely on God in Times of Trouble: Use Psalm 43 as a guide for praying and seeking God’s presence during challenging times.

Encouragement: Fr. Mike emphasizes the transformative power of God’s Word and the significance of living life through the lens of Scripture, urging listeners to apply these lessons in their daily lives.

Subscribe and Listen: To continue your journey through the Bible with Fr. Mike Schmitz, subscribe to The Bible in a Year podcast on your preferred platform and embrace the comprehensive understanding of Scripture that unfolds each day.

Note: The timestamps provided correspond to relevant sections within the transcript to highlight notable quotes and reflections.