In 1 Kings 3:5 we are told that at Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and now in verse 15 this is reinforced by the writer informing us that Solomon awoke and realized that the encounter with God was in a dream. It is important that we understand a distinction between dreams that are completely the production of the person who dreams and those instances where God or an angel enters into a dream to actually communicate to the dreamer. In the former case, the dreamer is completely responsible for the contents of the dream. In the latter case, however, there is real communication that takes place. God really asked Solomon to choose what he would have. He really fulfilled the promise of wisdom and really made other promises.
Skeptics may scoff at this idea, and Christians may be unable to suggest a mechanism by which spiritual beings may be able to accomplish this in the mind of an individual. Yet, God, who is sovereign over all his works, is able to do as he wills.
Verse 15 shows Solomon’s response to the Lord’s dealing with him. He returned to Jerusalem to the place where the ark of the covenant was located. There he made sacrifices of burnt offerings, and he also gave a feast for his servants.
At least two things are indicated here. First, his behaviour shows that he believed in the reality of the encounter and the truth of the promises that God made. Second, Solomon considered this to be a cause for celebration, not only for himself but also for others.
15 Salomon s'éveilla. Et voilà le songe. Salomon revint à Jérusalem, et se présenta devant l'arche de l'alliance de l'Eternel. Il offrit des holocaustes et des sacrifices d'actions de grâces, et il fit un festin à tous ses serviteurs.