◄ 1 Kings 3:27 ►
Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother."
Study Bible
Then the king gave his ruling
This phrase introduces the decisive moment of King Solomon's judgment. The Hebrew word for "ruling" is "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which signifies a legal decision or judgment. Solomon's wisdom, granted by God, is on full display here, as he discerns the true mother through a test of compassion. Historically, this account underscores the role of the king as a judge in Israel, a position that required divine wisdom to administer justice.

Give the living baby to the first woman
The phrase "living baby" emphasizes the value of life in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word for "living" is "חַי" (chai), which not only refers to physical life but also to vibrancy and vitality. Solomon's command to give the child to the first woman reveals his understanding of true motherhood, which is characterized by selfless love and the desire to preserve life. This decision reflects the biblical principle that true love seeks the well-being of others, even at personal cost.

Do not kill him
This command highlights the sanctity of life, a core tenet in the biblical worldview. The Hebrew verb "הָרַג" (harag) means to kill or destroy, and Solomon's explicit instruction to spare the child underscores the value placed on human life. In the broader scriptural context, this aligns with the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), reinforcing the belief that life is a sacred gift from God.

She is his mother
The identification of the true mother is the climax of Solomon's judgment. The Hebrew word for "mother" is "אֵם" (em), which conveys not only biological motherhood but also the nurturing and protective role a mother plays. Solomon's wisdom in discerning the true mother reflects the biblical theme of truth prevailing over deception. This moment also serves as a testament to the divine wisdom granted to Solomon, fulfilling God's promise to give him a wise and discerning heart (1 Kings 3:12).

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, which he received from God. In this passage, he demonstrates his wisdom by discerning the true mother of the child.

2. The Two Women
These women are described as prostitutes who come to King Solomon with a dispute over a living child, each claiming to be the mother. Their identities are not as important as the moral and ethical dilemma they present.

3. Jerusalem
The city where King Solomon reigned and where this judgment took place. It is the political and spiritual center of Israel during Solomon's reign.

4. The Living Baby
The child at the center of the dispute. Solomon's decision regarding the child reveals his wisdom and understanding of human nature.

5. The Court of Solomon
The setting for this event, where Solomon's wisdom is publicly demonstrated, establishing his reputation as a wise and just ruler.
Teaching Points
The Value of Godly Wisdom
Solomon's decision exemplifies the importance of seeking wisdom from God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize divine wisdom over worldly knowledge.

Discernment in Leadership
Effective leadership requires discernment and the ability to make just decisions. Solomon's ruling teaches us the importance of understanding human nature and motives.

The Heart's True Intentions
The account reveals that true intentions are often revealed under pressure. As believers, we should strive for purity of heart and sincerity in our actions.

The Role of Justice in Society
Justice is a foundational principle in God's kingdom. Solomon's judgment underscores the need for fairness and righteousness in our dealings with others.

The Power of Compassion
Solomon's compassion for the child and the true mother reflects God's compassion for His people. We are called to act with compassion in our interactions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom from God in 1 Kings 3:9 relate to his ability to make this wise judgment?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply Godly wisdom in our daily decision-making processes?

3. How does the account of Solomon's judgment challenge us to examine our own motives and intentions?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate justice and fairness in our communities, following Solomon's example?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of compassion like Solomon's, and what are some specific actions we can take to show compassion to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that wisdom comes from the Lord, connecting to Solomon's request for wisdom from God.

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

Hebrews 4:12
The discerning nature of God's word is akin to Solomon's ability to discern the truth in this situation.
Sermons
The Prayer of Solomon and its FulfilmentE. De Pressense 1 Kings 3:3-16; 4:2-34
Administration of Justice Difficult1 Kings 3:16-28
Evil of DivisionsE. Thompson, D. D.1 Kings 3:16-28
Judgment Obtained by Appeal to the Principle of AffectionE. Thompson, D. D.1 Kings 3:16-28
The MotherA. Mursell.1 Kings 3:16-28
The True MotherR. Young, M. A.1 Kings 3:16-28
People
David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Gibeon, Jerusalem
Topics
Answereth, Baby, Child, Death, Kill, Slay, Thereof, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 3:16-27

     5383   lawsuits
     5834   disagreement

1 Kings 3:16-28

     5120   Solomon, character
     5652   babies
     8367   wisdom, importance of

1 Kings 3:24-28

     8228   discernment, examples

1 Kings 3:26-28

     8409   decision-making, and providence

Library
A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. 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. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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