The Heart of Solomon vs The Heart of the Apostles

 

The Heart of Solomon vs The Heart of the Apostles

1 Kings 4:29 – “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.”

1 Kings 3:5–9 – Solomon asks for an understanding heart to judge God’s people.
2 Cor 6:11–13 – “Our heart is enlarged… you are restricted in your own affections.” 

Aspect	The Heart of Solomon	The Heart of the Apostles
Meaning	The heart of Solomon signifies a broad, inclusive, and profound spiritual capacity born out of divine wisdom—enabling him to govern God’s people rightly.	The apostles’ heart signifies a large, open, and inclusive heart formed in the life of Christ—able to shepherd and supply all the saints with divine love and life.
Symbolism	“As the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29)—showing the immeasurable breadth of the heart given by God. Sand restrains the sea, implying that Solomon’s heart was even larger than the sea.	“Our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged” (2 Cor 6:11)—showing openness, freedom, and a heart that can contain all believers in love.
Distinction	The heart of Solomon expresses the outward aspect of wisdom, enabling righteous judgment and administration among God’s people.	The apostles’ heart expresses the inward reality of divine life, enabling love, supply, restoration, and fellowship within God’s family.
Explanation	When Solomon asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9), God granted him a heart “as the sand of the sea”—broad and immeasurable. Wisdom and largeness of heart are two sides of one thing: true wisdom produces a great heart.	The apostles’ heart, enlarged in the life of Christ, could embrace all believers—whether strong or weak, right or astray—ministering life and leading them back to God.
Example	1 Kings 3:16–28 — Solomon’s judgment between two women over a child shows discernment joined with compassion and broadness.	2 Cor 2:4–7 — Paul, though sorrowful, exhorts the saints to forgive the offender, showing a heart full of love and restoration.
Application	Spiritual people should seek both wisdom and largeness of heart—able to understand, contain, and handle God’s affairs without narrowness or pride.	New Testament servants must have an open mouth and an enlarged heart, embracing all saints and ministering life rather than condemnation.
Mutual Relationship	The heart of Solomon prefigures, in the Old Testament, the unity of wisdom and heart-capacity.	The apostles’ heart fulfills this in the New Testament as the expression of God’s infinite love in Christ. Together, they manifest the vast heart of God Himself.
Detailed Scriptures	2 Chron 1:10 – “Give me wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people.” Psalm 119:32 – “When You enlarge my heart, I run the way of Your commandments.” Jer 5:22 – “I set the sand as a boundary for the sea… it cannot pass over it.” Symbolically, Solomon’s heart is even larger than the sea. Eccl 1:12–13 – Solomon set his heart to seek wisdom in all things.	2 Cor 7:2–3 – “You are in our hearts to die together and live together.” Phil 1:8 – “I long after you all with the inward parts of Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes 2:7–8 – “We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cherishes her children.” John 13:34 – “A new commandment… love one another.” 1 John 3:16–18 – “We ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
Key Summary	- Wisdom and heart-capacity are one. - True wisdom enlarges the heart. - A large heart is God’s gift to those who rule in His name.	- Love and largeness are inseparable. - Apostolic ministry proves itself by openness and capacity to contain others. - Both hearts manifest God’s boundless love and wisdom.

  

Spiritual Conclusion: 

o Solomon's heart—the vast capacity born of God's wisdom;

o The apostle's heart—the love and tolerance flowing from Christ's life;

o Both demonstrate the expansion of God's infinite, wise, and loving heart within humanity.

  

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training  General Topic: Matthew 5-7 Vital Aspects Chapter 1 The Blessing of the Poor in Spirit and the Pure in Heart, Who Are Under the Heavenly Rule of Christ the New King, and Who See God and Express Himself in His Life, and Have His Authority to Represent Him

---

 [u1]