1 Kings 3:20

So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I was asleep. She laid him in her bosom and put her dead son at my bosom.

Study Bible

And she got up in the middle of the night
This phrase sets the scene for a clandestine and deceitful act. The "middle of the night" often symbolizes a time of vulnerability and unawareness, reflecting the spiritual darkness in which the act was committed. In the Hebrew context, night is often associated with danger and evil deeds, as seen in other biblical narratives. The act of rising in the night suggests premeditation and a deliberate choice to act under the cover of darkness, away from the eyes of others, which is a common theme in biblical accounts where sin is committed.

took my son from my side
The phrase "took my son" indicates an act of theft and violation of maternal bonds. In ancient Israelite culture, the bond between a mother and her child was sacred and inviolable. The Hebrew word for "took" (לָקַח, laqach) often implies taking possession of something that does not belong to one, highlighting the gravity of the woman's actions. This act of taking the child from the mother's side underscores the intimacy and trust that was breached, as the child was taken from a place of safety and security.

while your maidservant slept
The term "maidservant" (אֲמָתֶךָ, 'amatecha) reflects humility and submission, as the speaker refers to herself in a position of servitude. This self-identification emphasizes her vulnerability and the trust she placed in the environment around her. The fact that the act occurred "while she slept" highlights her innocence and the betrayal of trust, as sleep is a state of defenselessness. This phrase also underscores the theme of deception, as the act was committed without her knowledge or consent.

laid him in her arms
The act of laying the living child in her arms is symbolic of a false claim to motherhood. In biblical times, the act of holding a child in one's arms was a sign of maternal care and protection. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on lineage and inheritance, and by placing the child in her arms, the woman was attempting to usurp the rightful place of the true mother. This action is a physical manifestation of the lie she is trying to perpetuate.

and put her dead son at my breast
This phrase completes the deceitful exchange, highlighting the callousness of the woman's actions. The act of placing the dead child at the breast of the true mother is a cruel irony, as the breast is a symbol of nourishment and life. In Hebrew culture, the breast is often associated with nurturing and the sustenance of life, making this act particularly heartless. This switch not only represents a physical exchange but also an attempt to alter the truth and reality of the situation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel known for his wisdom, who is approached by two women with a dispute over a living child.

2. Two Women
Both are described as harlots, living in the same house, each having given birth to a son around the same time.

3. The Living Child
The subject of the dispute between the two women, representing the true mother's claim.

4. The Dead Child
The child who died during the night, leading to the switch and subsequent dispute.

5. The Royal Court
The setting where King Solomon hears the case and makes his wise judgment.

Teaching Points

The Value of Wisdom
Solomon's ability to discern the truth in a complex situation highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our own lives.

The Sanctity of Life
The account underscores the preciousness of life and the deep bond between a mother and her child.

Truth and Justice
The account illustrates the necessity of truthfulness and the pursuit of justice, even when the truth is difficult to discern.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Solomon's wise judgment reflects God's sovereign hand in guiding leaders to administer justice.

The Role of Discernment
Believers are called to develop discernment, seeking God's guidance to navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom earlier in 1 Kings 3 prepare him for this moment of judgment?

2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes?

3. How does the account of the two women and the living child illustrate the importance of truth in our relationships?

4. What can we learn from Solomon's approach to resolving conflict that can be applied to conflicts in our own lives?

5. How do the themes of justice and truth in this passage connect to the broader biblical account of God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:16
This verse, part of the Ten Commandments, emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, which is central to the dispute between the two women.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses highlight the importance of trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, which Solomon exemplifies by seeking divine wisdom.

James 1:5
This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reflecting Solomon's earlier request for wisdom from God.

Psalm 139:13-16
These verses speak to God's intimate knowledge of us from the womb, underscoring the value of life and the maternal bond.

Matthew 7:7-8
These verses about asking, seeking, and knocking relate to the pursuit of truth and justice, as demonstrated by Solomon's judgment.