And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the Lord, until those days.
And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.
And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
I Kings 3 reveals a pivotal moment in Solomon's reign, showcasing both his early choices and God's remarkable response to his humble request. This chapter offers valuable insights into leadership, wisdom, and the importance of prioritizing God's will.
Solomon's Early Reign and Alliances (I Kings 3:1-3)
Solomon, undoubtedly feeling the immense responsibility of leading God's people, began his reign by solidifying his kingdom through strategic alliances. One such alliance was forged through marriage with Pharaoh's daughter (I Kings 3:1). While political marriages were common in that era, Solomon's actions foreshadowed a pattern of polygamy and foreign marriages that would eventually lead to dire consequences for both him and the nation of Israel. God, though He tolerated polygamy in Old Testament times, never endorsed it, and it invariably led to spiritual compromise and hardship.
During this period, the people of Israel continued to practice sacrifices at "high places" (I Kings 3:2), a pagan custom adopted from their Canaanite neighbors, in direct violation of Mosaic Law (Leviticus 17:3-4). Despite this widespread practice, the text tells us that Solomon "loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father" (I Kings 3:3). This seemingly contradictory statement highlights the complexities of faith and obedience. While Solomon demonstrated a love for God, the presence of pagan practices underscores the ongoing struggle to fully adhere to God's commands.
The Dream at Gibeon: A Request for Wisdom (I Kings 3:4-9)
A significant turning point occurred at Gibeon, the most prominent of the high places (I Kings 3:4). It was here that God appeared to Solomon in a dream, offering him an extraordinary opportunity: "Ask what I shall give you" (I Kings 3:5). Solomon's response reveals a wisdom beyond his years. At approximately twenty years old, newly appointed as king, he recognized his own inadequacy for the task ahead. He acknowledged his youth and inexperience, and the immense responsibility of governing a numerous people (I Kings 3:7-8). Instead of seeking personal gain or power, Solomon humbly requested "an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil" (I Kings 3:9). This desire for wisdom to lead justly and effectively pleased God immensely. Recognizing one's need for God is the first step towards becoming a leader after God's own heart.
God's Generous Response (I Kings 3:10-15)
God was deeply pleased with Solomon's selfless request (I Kings 3:10). Because Solomon prioritized wisdom above personal riches, long life, or victory over his enemies, God not only granted his request for wisdom but also bestowed upon him riches, honor, and a long life (I Kings 3:11-14). This demonstrates God's generous nature and His willingness to bless those who seek His will above all else (James 1:5). However, the text also includes a conditional element: Solomon's continued enjoyment of these blessings depended on his obedience to God's commands and statutes (I Kings 3:14). God's promises are sure, but their full realization often requires obedience. Upon awakening, Solomon returned to Jerusalem and offered sacrifices and fellowship offerings before the ark of the covenant, celebrating God's faithfulness with his servants (I Kings 3:15).
Solomon's Wisdom Demonstrated: The Case of the Two Mothers (I Kings 3:16-28)
The remainder of I Kings 3 illustrates the divine wisdom bestowed upon Solomon. The account of the two prostitutes and the disputed child serves as a powerful example of Solomon's ability to discern truth and administer justice.
The case presented a seemingly unsolvable dilemma. Both women, who lived together, had given birth. One woman claimed that the other had smothered her own child in the night and then switched the dead baby with her living one (I Kings 3:17-22). Without modern forensic tools, determining the truth seemed impossible.
Solomon, guided by divine wisdom, devised a brilliant test. He ordered that the living child be cut in two, with half given to each woman (I Kings 3:25). This seemingly cruel decree was designed to reveal the true mother's heart. The true mother, overcome with compassion, begged the king to spare the child's life, even if it meant giving him up to the other woman (I Kings 3:26). The false mother, however, callously agreed to the king's proposal.
Solomon, having discerned the truth, awarded the living child to the woman who had shown compassion (I Kings 3:27). This act of wisdom spread throughout Israel, and the people were filled with awe and respect for Solomon, recognizing that "the wisdom of God was in him to do justice" (I Kings 3:28). Solomon's reputation as the wisest man alive grew rapidly, bringing glory to God. This story illustrates that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge, but the ability to apply spiritual understanding to practical situations. As the primary author of Proverbs, Solomon further exemplified this gift by translating spiritual truths into actionable principles for life.
I Kings 3 offers valuable lessons for leaders and believers alike. It emphasizes the importance of humility, seeking God's wisdom, and prioritizing His will above personal gain. It reminds us that true wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge but about applying spiritual understanding to everyday life, bringing justice, compassion, and glory to God.
And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the Lord, until those days.
And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.
And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
I Kings 3 reveals a pivotal moment in Solomon's reign, showcasing both his early choices and God's remarkable response to his humble request. This chapter offers valuable insights into leadership, wisdom, and the importance of prioritizing God's will.
Solomon's Early Reign and Alliances (I Kings 3:1-3)
Solomon, undoubtedly feeling the immense responsibility of leading God's people, began his reign by solidifying his kingdom through strategic alliances. One such alliance was forged through marriage with Pharaoh's daughter (I Kings 3:1). While political marriages were common in that era, Solomon's actions foreshadowed a pattern of polygamy and foreign marriages that would eventually lead to dire consequences for both him and the nation of Israel. God, though He tolerated polygamy in Old Testament times, never endorsed it, and it invariably led to spiritual compromise and hardship.
During this period, the people of Israel continued to practice sacrifices at "high places" (I Kings 3:2), a pagan custom adopted from their Canaanite neighbors, in direct violation of Mosaic Law (Leviticus 17:3-4). Despite this widespread practice, the text tells us that Solomon "loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father" (I Kings 3:3). This seemingly contradictory statement highlights the complexities of faith and obedience. While Solomon demonstrated a love for God, the presence of pagan practices underscores the ongoing struggle to fully adhere to God's commands.
The Dream at Gibeon: A Request for Wisdom (I Kings 3:4-9)
A significant turning point occurred at Gibeon, the most prominent of the high places (I Kings 3:4). It was here that God appeared to Solomon in a dream, offering him an extraordinary opportunity: "Ask what I shall give you" (I Kings 3:5). Solomon's response reveals a wisdom beyond his years. At approximately twenty years old, newly appointed as king, he recognized his own inadequacy for the task ahead. He acknowledged his youth and inexperience, and the immense responsibility of governing a numerous people (I Kings 3:7-8). Instead of seeking personal gain or power, Solomon humbly requested "an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil" (I Kings 3:9). This desire for wisdom to lead justly and effectively pleased God immensely. Recognizing one's need for God is the first step towards becoming a leader after God's own heart.
God's Generous Response (I Kings 3:10-15)
God was deeply pleased with Solomon's selfless request (I Kings 3:10). Because Solomon prioritized wisdom above personal riches, long life, or victory over his enemies, God not only granted his request for wisdom but also bestowed upon him riches, honor, and a long life (I Kings 3:11-14). This demonstrates God's generous nature and His willingness to bless those who seek His will above all else (James 1:5). However, the text also includes a conditional element: Solomon's continued enjoyment of these blessings depended on his obedience to God's commands and statutes (I Kings 3:14). God's promises are sure, but their full realization often requires obedience. Upon awakening, Solomon returned to Jerusalem and offered sacrifices and fellowship offerings before the ark of the covenant, celebrating God's faithfulness with his servants (I Kings 3:15).
Solomon's Wisdom Demonstrated: The Case of the Two Mothers (I Kings 3:16-28)
The remainder of I Kings 3 illustrates the divine wisdom bestowed upon Solomon. The account of the two prostitutes and the disputed child serves as a powerful example of Solomon's ability to discern truth and administer justice.
The case presented a seemingly unsolvable dilemma. Both women, who lived together, had given birth. One woman claimed that the other had smothered her own child in the night and then switched the dead baby with her living one (I Kings 3:17-22). Without modern forensic tools, determining the truth seemed impossible.
Solomon, guided by divine wisdom, devised a brilliant test. He ordered that the living child be cut in two, with half given to each woman (I Kings 3:25). This seemingly cruel decree was designed to reveal the true mother's heart. The true mother, overcome with compassion, begged the king to spare the child's life, even if it meant giving him up to the other woman (I Kings 3:26). The false mother, however, callously agreed to the king's proposal.
Solomon, having discerned the truth, awarded the living child to the woman who had shown compassion (I Kings 3:27). This act of wisdom spread throughout Israel, and the people were filled with awe and respect for Solomon, recognizing that "the wisdom of God was in him to do justice" (I Kings 3:28). Solomon's reputation as the wisest man alive grew rapidly, bringing glory to God. This story illustrates that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge, but the ability to apply spiritual understanding to practical situations. As the primary author of Proverbs, Solomon further exemplified this gift by translating spiritual truths into actionable principles for life.
I Kings 3 offers valuable lessons for leaders and believers alike. It emphasizes the importance of humility, seeking God's wisdom, and prioritizing His will above personal gain. It reminds us that true wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge but about applying spiritual understanding to everyday life, bringing justice, compassion, and glory to God.