“The Kingdom of Heaven” is a phrase used only by Matthew; the other evangelists use the expression “Kingdom of Heaven.” It seems to mean the presence or rule of God, and Matthew uses many parables to describe it. Today's readings emphasise value. Solomon was humble enough to know that he was young and inexperienced and needed God’s help to rule the kingdom that his father David had built up. Therefore he asked God for something immaterial, rather than riches, long life or defeat of his enemies. He realised what he required. In the gospel the treasure in the field and the pearl of great price are symbols of the wealth of the Kingdom where God rules. Anything else has limited worth.
However, the Kingdom of Heaven - like the pearl and the treasure - must be found. The scribe who had asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-34) and who endorsed what Jesus had said was told that “you are not far from the Kingdom of God.” Hopefully the scribe came to realise that obedience to the Law had been superseded by faith in Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Martha professed this faith when she declared, “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world." (John 11:27)