Facing no threats from the nations around him, Solomon, the son of David, sets about building his palace, the temple, and the walls of Jerusalem. This moment of Solomon's reign is characterized by a loving and obedient fidelity to Yahweh. Solomon travels to, and worships at the best shrine in the land, and from the abundance of prosperity with which the Lord has blessed him, he makes generous sacrifices to Yahweh.

Later in a dream, Solomon perceives himself as Yahweh's servant and requests from the Lord an understanding heart by which to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. Yahweh responds generously. Solomon's request will be granted and in addition, he will receive riches and glory and long life since he did not think of himself but the people. In the Gospel, we read how Jesus, a descendent of David, puts the needs of the people ahead of his disciples' and his own needs. Although he knew that the disciples and he needed time alone, the compassionate Jesus responds to the cry of the people, who were like "sheep without a shepherd".

Sadly, Solomon's heart is turned away from the one true God, and he begins to worship other gods. Jesus, on the other hand, not only reveals himself as the seat of Wisdom, but also remains faithful to the Father up to the very end. Eventually, what matters is not what we receive or do not receive from God, but how faithful we are to Him as his disciples.