◄ 1 Kings 3:16 ►
At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.
Study Bible
At that time
This phrase situates the narrative within a specific period in King Solomon's reign. It follows the account of Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which is foundational to understanding the events that unfold. The Hebrew root for "time" (עֵת, 'et) often signifies a divinely appointed moment, suggesting that this incident is not random but orchestrated within God's sovereign plan. It highlights the immediacy and relevance of Solomon's wisdom being put to the test.

two prostitutes
The mention of "prostitutes" (זֹנוֹת, zonot) is significant, as it underscores the inclusivity of Solomon's justice. In ancient Israel, prostitutes were marginalized and often disregarded by society. By bringing their case before the king, it demonstrates that Solomon's wisdom and justice were accessible to all, regardless of social status. This reflects the biblical principle that God's justice is impartial and available to everyone, echoing the teachings of Jesus who ministered to the marginalized.

came to the king
The act of coming to the king (בָּאוּ אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ, ba'u el-hammelech) signifies seeking justice and resolution from the highest authority in the land. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the king was not only a political leader but also a judicial figure. This phrase emphasizes the role of the king as a shepherd of his people, responsible for their welfare and justice, a role that Solomon fulfills with divine wisdom.

and stood before him
Standing before the king (וַתַּעֲמֹדְנָה לְפָנָיו, vata'amodna lefanav) indicates a formal presentation of their case. In biblical times, standing was a posture of respect and readiness to present one's plea. This phrase highlights the gravity of the situation and the respect accorded to the king's authority. It also sets the stage for the demonstration of Solomon's God-given wisdom, as he listens and discerns the truth in a complex and emotionally charged situation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, he is approached by two women seeking his judgment.

2. Two Prostitutes
These women come to King Solomon with a dispute. Their profession is mentioned to highlight the impartiality and accessibility of Solomon's justice.

3. The Royal Court
The setting where Solomon hears the case. It signifies the place of judgment and authority in ancient Israel.
Teaching Points
The Source of True Wisdom
Solomon's wisdom is a gift from God, reminding us that true wisdom comes from seeking God and His guidance.

Impartial Justice
Solomon's willingness to hear the case of two prostitutes demonstrates the importance of impartiality and justice for all, regardless of social status.

Discernment in Decision-Making
The account that follows (1 Kings 3:17-28) illustrates the need for discernment in resolving conflicts, a skill that can be developed through prayer and reliance on God's wisdom.

Approachability of God’s Leaders
The accessibility of Solomon to the women reflects how leaders should be approachable and willing to serve all people.

God’s Wisdom in Everyday Life
We are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in our daily decisions, trusting that He will guide us in truth and justice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's willingness to hear the case of the two prostitutes challenge our views on justice and impartiality today?

2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our own lives, as Solomon did?

3. How does the account of Solomon's judgment in 1 Kings 3:16-28 illustrate the importance of discernment in leadership?

4. What can we learn from Solomon's example about being approachable and serving others, regardless of their social status?

5. How do the teachings in Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5 reinforce the idea that wisdom is a gift from God? How can we apply this understanding in our daily decision-making?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 2:6
This verse speaks of the Lord giving wisdom, which is relevant as Solomon's wisdom is a divine gift.

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

Matthew 12:42
Jesus refers to the wisdom of Solomon, indicating the lasting impact of Solomon's God-given wisdom.
Sermons
The Prayer of Solomon and its FulfilmentE. De Pressense 1 Kings 3:3-16; 4:2-34
A Wise PrayerJ. Waite 1 Kings 3:5-16
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
Harlots, Loose, Places, Prostitutes, Stand, Stood, Town, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 3:16

     6189   immorality, examples
     6239   prostitution

1 Kings 3:16-27

     5383   lawsuits
     5834   disagreement

1 Kings 3:16-28

     5120   Solomon, character
     5652   babies
     8367   wisdom, importance of

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

Links
1 Kings 3:16 NIV
1 Kings 3:16 NLT
1 Kings 3:16 ESV
1 Kings 3:16 NASB
1 Kings 3:16 KJV

1 Kings 3:16 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Kings 3:15
Top of Page
Top of Page