Podcast Introduction Today is history Tuesday and we’ll begin the book of 2 Chronicles with chapters 1-5. After the reading I’ll have some comments. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “The Best Request.” Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Corey Agopian on Unsplash Comments on 2 Chronicles 1 Solomon now begins his reign as king. It seems that his first order of business was to strengthen his hold on the kingdom. In 1 Kings, chapter 2, we read that shortly before his father David died, he gave Solomon instructions on what he should do to accomplish this. And it looks like Solomon wasted no time. Also, we’re told in 2 Chronicles 1 that God was with him and highly exalted him. God seems to be pleased with how Solomon began his reign. Then he brought all Israel together to make a very special sacrifice of 1,000 burnt offerings to God. This seems to have been to show that he would seek God as the leader of the nation. That night God came to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask. What should I give you?” Of course, the implication is that He would have given Solomon anything that he asked for, isn’t it? Can you imagine? Anything! Wow. Wouldn’t it be great if God made that kind of offer to you? What would you ask for?  But wait! He has made that offer! Don’t believe me? · Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7). · If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7). · Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14). Those promises apply to every believer, beloved. The question is, have we availed ourselves of them? We all know what Solomon’s request was. He asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead Israel. Please note that he asked for *both* wisdom *and* knowledge. Knowledge without wisdom can be a very dangerous thing. For instance, it’s one thing know how to use a gun, but if I don’t have the wisdom to know when to use it, great harm could not be far away. And God said, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king, 12wisdom and knowledge are given to you. I will also give you riches, wealth, and glory,