Definition: Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 3:9. It’s a really important part of the story of David and his rule over Israel. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about responsibility and wisdom. David is facing a HUGE challenge – he’s leading a huge group of people (Israel) and he needs to make tough decisions about how to treat them fairly. He’s asking for the wisdom to understand what's right and wrong, so he can do what’s best for his people. Let’s unpack it: “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart…” – This means David is asking God for a person who has the ability to think carefully and understand things well. He wants someone who isn't just driven by emotion, but can analyze situations logically. “…to judge thy people…” - This is the core of the request. David needs to be able to evaluate whether his people are behaving correctly and if they’re doing good or bad. “that I may discern between good and bad…” – This is a key phrase. He wants to know what is right and wrong so he can make the correct decisions. “…for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” - This is the really difficult part. David realizes that no one – not even himself – could possibly understand what’s best for such a large and complex group of people. It highlights the immense weight of responsibility he now carries. In essence, it's about needing wisdom to lead wisely. It speaks to the idea that leadership isn't just about power or authority; it also requires thoughtful judgment and understanding. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for David’s later actions – he starts to establish laws and rules for his people, which ultimately leads to a time of conflict and division. It shows that even with great power, wisdom is essential for making good decisions. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss what kind of wisdom David was asking for?