John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart, to judge thy people , etc.] Not an understanding of things spiritual, nor of things natural, though both were given him, but of things political, what related to the civil government, that he might be able to judge or rule the people of Israel in the best manner: that I may discern between good and bad ; not merely between moral good and evil, of which he had a discernment; but between right and wrong in any case or controversy that came before him between man and man, that so he might be able to pass a right sentence, and do justice to every one: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people ? who are so very numerous, and have so many causes to be heard and and those many of them very intricate and difficult; so that no man is equal to such arduous work, unless he has more than an ordinary capacity given him by the Lord.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 5-15 - Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers wer locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he wa enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assurin us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such choice when asleep, and the powers of reason least active, showed it came from the grace of God. Having a humble sense of his own wants an weakness, he pleads, Lord, I am but a little child. The more wise an considerate men are, the better acquainted they are with their ow weakness, and the more jealous of themselves. Solomon begs of God to give him wisdom. We must pray for it, Jas 1:5, that it may help us in our particular calling, and the various occasions we have. Those ar accepted of God, who prefer spiritual blessings to earthly good. It wa a prevailing prayer, and prevailed for more than he asked. God gave his wisdom, such as no other prince was ever blessed with; and also gav him riches and honour. If we make sure of wisdom and grace, these wil bring outward prosperity with them, or sweeten the want of it. The way to get spiritual blessings, is to wrestle with God in prayer for them The way to get earthly blessings, is to refer ourselves to God concerning them. Solomon has wisdom given him, because he did ask it and wealth, because he did not.
Original Hebrew ונתת5414 לעבדך5650 לב3820 שׁמע8085 לשׁפט8199 את853 עמך5971 להבין995 בין996 טוב2896 לרע7451 כי3588 מי4310 יוכל3201 לשׁפט8199 את853 עמך5971 הכבד3515 הזה׃2088
