It’s Windows Wednesday again! Today, we will look at the top portion of Sanctuary Window 2—The Teacher. In this panel, we see Solomon. God appeared to Solomon in a dream shortly after he succeeded his father, King David. We see the light radiating down on the face of Solomon, representing the presence of the Lord. In his dream, God asked him what he most desired. Pleasantly surprising God, Solomon asked for “an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil” [I Kings 3:9]. God granted him that, making him famous for his wisdom, and also granted him the gifts that he selflessly did not ask for (wealth, long life, etc.). On the window, below Solomon is the Torah, the scroll of Jewish law containing the first 5 books of the Christian Old Testament, representing his spiritual knowledge. We also see a crown and scepter, as a reminder of his earthly power and majesty. Click or scroll over the image below to see the artist’s design for the window.

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.”
I Kings 3:9–12

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About the Author

Adam Alderson is the business manager and director of Resurrection at the United Methodist Church of Kent. He has a B.A. in Classics with a minor in Art History from Kent State University, and enjoys reading, graphic and web design, and singing and acting locally. Adam lives in Stow with his wife, Patti, and son, Alexander.