2 Chronicles 1:7

Authorized King James Version

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In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

Original Language Analysis

בַּלַּ֣יְלָה In that night H3915
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה In that night
Strong's: H3915
Word #: 1 of 11
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
הַה֔וּא H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 2 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
נִרְאָ֥ה appear H7200
נִרְאָ֥ה appear
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 3 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים did God H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים did God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לִשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה unto Solomon H8010
לִשְׁלֹמֹ֑ה unto Solomon
Strong's: H8010
Word #: 5 of 11
shelomah, david's successor
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said H559
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 6 of 11
to say (used with great latitude)
ל֔וֹ H0
ל֔וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 11
שְׁאַ֖ל unto him Ask H7592
שְׁאַ֖ל unto him Ask
Strong's: H7592
Word #: 8 of 11
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
מָ֥ה H4100
מָ֥ה
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֶתֶּן what I shall give H5414
אֶתֶּן what I shall give
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 10 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לָֽךְ׃ H0
לָֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 11

Analysis & Commentary

God's question to Solomon 'Ask what I shall give thee' represents extraordinary grace - God invites petition, essentially offering a blank check. This divine initiative tests Solomon's heart: will he ask for selfish gain or kingdom needs? The nighttime setting at Gibeon's high place, following extensive sacrifices (1:6), suggests private divine revelation after public worship. This pattern - God speaking after costly worship - appears throughout Scripture. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's invitation to prayer is itself gracious enablement, creating the desire for right requests. Christ invites similar asking 'in His name' (John 14:13-14), with the Spirit shaping requests to align with God's will.

Historical Context

This encounter occurred early in Solomon's reign (c. 970 BCE) at the tabernacle in Gibeon, before the temple was built. God's appearance validated Solomon's kingship and established the kingdom's priorities - wisdom for governance over personal enrichment.

Questions for Reflection