Divine Extrapolations (1)

To extrapolate means to extend the application of a method or conclusion, especially one based on statistics, to an unknown situation by assuming that current trends will continue or similar methods will be applicable. Everything we learn to apply from studying the Bible comes through extrapolations. God did not make any of the statements to us who are alive today.​

Solomon was given a serious charge from his father, King David, “As David’s time to die drew near, he charged Solomon his son, saying, “I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man. Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn” (1 Kings 2:1-3). David urged his son to always follow what is right – obey the divine written instructions.

For a while, Solomon had not fully complied with the written word. Now Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar” (1 Kings 3:3-4). While Solomon was not in full compliance with the written word, God gave him permission to ask for a blessing, In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you (1 Kings 3:5). Although not fully compliant, God’s favor still remained with Solomon.

While not being in full compliance with the written word, Solomon praised God for His historical and ongoing graciousness. Then Solomon said, “You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yetI am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted (1 Kings 3:6- 8). The favor that comes from ancestral obedience often lasts through generations.

Solomon then asked God for wisdom, So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge these great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon’s request for wisdom pleased God so much that He also showered Solomon with wealth, It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days (1 Kings 3:10-14). He then aligned his life with the written word of God. Then Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants (1 Kings 3:15).

Did you notice how God granted Solomon permission to ask for his heart’s desire? How does it shock you that God shows unlimited favor to someone who is out of order? According to Solomon’s own words, God blessed him. Then Solomon aligned his life with the written word. Could it be that God knew Solomon would bring his life into compliance with the written word? Very likely!

When God knows that you will comply with His written word, He will do for you what He did for Solomon. God will bless you with wealth and wisdom (1 Kings 4:21-25, 34). And God will bless you with peace and prosperity (1 Kings 5:1-14). God loves to bless those who have a heart for Him (1 Kings 10:1-10, 23-24).