1 Kings 3:15

“And Solomon awoke, and, behold, [it was] a dream, etc.] Not that it was nothing but a dream, a natural one, a vain and empty one, but a divine and supernatural one, a dream of prophecy, as the Jews call it, or a prophetic dream; a true one, which had its fall accomplishment in him, the truth of which he perceived as soon as he awoke; for he found himself possessed of such a measure of wisdom and knowledge he never had before, which occasioned the thanksgiving and joy next expressed: and he came to Jerusalem; from Gibeon, accompanied by his nobles and servants: and stood before the ark of the covenant the Lord; which was in a tent David had pitched for it there, (<100617>2 Samuel 6:17); here…”

“behold, it was a dream--The vivid impression, the indelible recollection he had of this dream, together with the new and increased energy communicated to his mind, and the flow of worldly prosperity that rushed upon him, gave him assurance that it came by divine inspiration and originated in the grace of God. The wisdom, however, that was asked and obtained was not so much of the heart as of the head--it was wisdom not for himself personally, but for his office, such as would qualify him for the administration of justice, the government of a kingdom, and for the attainment of general scientific knowledge.”

“Solomon determined to inaugurate his reign by a grand religious ceremonial at each of the two holy places which at this time divided between them the reverence of the Jews. Having completed the religious service at Gibeon, where was the tabernacle of the congregation, he proceeded to Jerusalem, and sacrificed before the ark of the covenant, which was in Mount Zion 2 Samuel 6:12. A great feast naturally followed on a large sacrifice of peace-offerings. In these the sacrificer always partook of the flesh of the victim, and he was commanded to call in to the feast the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow Deuteronomy 14:29. Compare 2 Samuel 6:19; 1 Chronicles 16:3. return to 'Top…”

“A dream - Not a vain dream, wherewith men are commonly deluded; but a divine dream, assuring him of the thing: which he knew, by a divine impression after he was awakened: and by the vast alteration which he presently found within himself in point of wisdom and knowledge. The ark - Which was there in the city of David, Sa2 6:17, before which he presented himself in a way of holy adoration. Burnt offerings - Chiefly for the expiation of his and his peoples sin, through the blood of Christ, manifestly signified in these sacrifices. Peace offerings - Solemnly to praise God for all his mercies, and especially for giving him quiet possession of the kingdom, and for his glorious appearance to him…”

“3:15 Solomon’s sacrifice after the dream completes the narrative.”

“awoke: Gen 41:7; Jer 31:26 before: Sa2 6:17; Ch1 16:1, Ch1 16:2 peace offerings: Kg1 8:63, Kg1 8:65; Lev. 3:1-17, Lev 7:11-19; Sa2 6:18, Sa2 6:19; Ch2 7:5, Ch2 7:7-10, Ch2 30:22-26 a feast: Gen 31:54, Gen 40:20; Est 1:3; Dan 5:1; Mar 6:21 3 Kings (1 Kings) 3:16”