1 Kings 3:22

"No," said the other woman, "the living one is my son and the dead one is your son." But the first woman insisted, "No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine." So they argued before the king.

Study Bible

No! said the other woman
The Hebrew word for "No" here is "לֹא" (lo), a strong negation. This word sets the stage for the intense emotional conflict between the two women. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a woman's identity and security were often tied to her children, making this dispute not just about a child, but about the women's very survival and honor.

The living one is my son
The phrase "living one" in Hebrew is "הַחַי" (ha-chai), emphasizing the preciousness of life. In the biblical narrative, life is a gift from God, and the claim to the living child underscores the deep maternal bond and the desperation of the women to preserve their lineage and legacy.

and the dead one is your son
The word "dead" in Hebrew is "הַמֵּת" (ha-met), which starkly contrasts with "living." This juxtaposition highlights the gravity of the situation. In ancient Israel, death was not just a personal loss but a communal one, affecting inheritance and family continuity.

But the first woman insisted
The verb "insisted" suggests a persistent and passionate plea. This reflects the cultural and legal practices of the time, where verbal testimony was crucial in the absence of written records or forensic evidence. The insistence also reveals the depth of the mother's love and her determination to fight for her child.

No! The dead one is your son
Repetition in Hebrew literature often serves to emphasize a point. Here, the repeated denial underscores the conflict and the high stakes involved. It also reflects the oral tradition of storytelling, where repetition aids in memorization and emphasis.

and the living one is my son
This claim is central to the narrative, as it sets up the wise judgment of King Solomon. The assertion of maternal rights and the protection of one's offspring were paramount in ancient societies, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's care for the vulnerable and the importance of justice.

So they argued before the king
The setting before the king, Solomon, is significant. In ancient Israel, the king was not only a political leader but also a judge. This scene foreshadows Solomon's renowned wisdom, which is a gift from God, as he navigates this complex human drama. The public nature of the argument also reflects the communal aspect of justice in biblical times, where disputes were often settled in the presence of witnesses.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel, known for his wisdom, who is presiding over the case.

2. The First Woman
One of the two women who came to King Solomon, claiming the living child as her own.

3. The Second Woman
The other woman involved in the dispute, also claiming the living child as her own.

4. The Living Child
The baby who is at the center of the dispute between the two women.

5. The Dead Child
The baby who has died, leading to the conflict between the two women.

Teaching Points

The Value of Godly Wisdom
Solomon's ability to discern the truth in a complex situation highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God. Believers are encouraged to pray for wisdom in their own lives.

The Nature of Truth and Justice
The dispute between the two women underscores the challenge of discerning truth. Christians are called to uphold truth and justice, relying on God's guidance.

The Role of Discernment in Leadership
Solomon's handling of the case demonstrates the necessity of discernment in leadership. Leaders in all areas of life should seek God's wisdom to make fair and just decisions.

The Consequences of Deception
The account illustrates the destructive nature of lies and deceit. Believers are reminded of the importance of honesty and integrity in their relationships.

The Power of a Mother's Love
The genuine mother's willingness to give up her claim to save her child reflects the depth of a mother's love. This can be a reflection of God's sacrificial love for His children.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9-12 influence his decision-making in this case?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom, as seen in James 1:5, to our daily challenges?

3. How does the commandment in Exodus 20:16 about bearing false witness relate to the actions of the two women?

4. What can we learn from Solomon's approach to leadership and decision-making that can be applied to our roles in family, work, or community?

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

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:9-12
This passage provides context for Solomon's wisdom, which he received from God. It sets the stage for understanding how Solomon approaches the dispute.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, which is relevant to Solomon's reliance on divine wisdom.

James 1:5
This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reflecting Solomon's example of seeking divine guidance.

Exodus 20:16
The commandment against bearing false witness is relevant to the situation, as one of the women is lying.

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