Reading the text of 1 Kings 3:7-9 as inspirational teaching on leadership to the modern church: A hermeneutical perspective

Abstract

The present study critically examines the text of 1 Kings 3:7-9 in order to present its concepts as inspirational teachings on leadership to the modern church. From a hermeneutical perspective, the research attempts to discuss the chosen text not necessarily as panacea to good leadership but more so as inspirational teachings for individuals occupying leadership positions in a modern church. It is shown that Solomon ascends to the throne of kingship of a united monarchy after his father King David. The text depicts King Solomon in his prayer to God that “…I am a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties” (v.7). As if to suggest that God does not know, Solomon informs God that Israel is “…a great people, too numerous to count or number” (v.8). The above assertion by Solomon will be analyzed in view of a previous census by King David. The study will exegete the text in order to establish the contextual meaning of the metaphor “little child” used by King Solomon. In addition, King Solomon is metaphorically requesting Yahweh’s provision of a “discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (v.9). The study is guided by symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework. A case study model is employed as a research method in which previous contributions on hermeneutics and leadership in the Bible will be explored.