At one time King David asked God to save him from dying and God answered his prayer: “He asked life from You, and You gave it to him — length of days” (Psalm 21:4). But God went much further in answering David’s prayer. Not only did he give him life, he also put a crown on his head and made him king of Israel.
After God made David king, he poured honor and splendor upon him. “You set a crown of pure gold upon his head. ... Honor and majesty You have placed upon him” (21:3 and 5). And to top it off, God added great joy: “You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence” (21:6).
“For with the Lord there is ... abundant redemption” (Psalm 130:7). David was saying, “Lord, you not only extended mercy to me but you poured out your redemption.”
David’s son Solomon also prayed a simple prayer: “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon was saying, “Lord, all I want is wisdom to know how to handle your people. I only want to be a just king over them.”
God answered Solomon’s direct request in an incredible way: “Then God said to him: ‘Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, not have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done accord to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you’” (3:11-12).
God was absolutely delighted to over-answer the unselfish prayers of these great men! And your heavenly Father wants to do the same for you.