Solomon’s Marriage Alliance and Worship at Gibeon

In 1 Kings 3:1–4, the narrative focuses on solomon’s marriage alliance and worship at gibeon. This belongs to Solomon’s rise: David’s succession crisis gives way to the new king’s consolidation, request for wisdom, administration, and early prosperity. Read the section with an eye on the difference between God-given kingship and human ambition, and on the standards by which Solomon’s reign will later be measured.