◄ 1 Kings 3:23 ►
Then the king replied, "This woman says, 'My son is alive and yours is dead,' but that woman says, 'No, your son is dead and mine is alive.'"
Study Bible
The king replied
This phrase introduces us to King Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom, a gift from God. The Hebrew root for "replied" is "עָנָה" (anah), which can also mean to answer or respond. This indicates Solomon's active engagement and discernment in the matter at hand. His role as a judge is pivotal, reflecting the king's duty to uphold justice and righteousness, a theme deeply rooted in the biblical narrative.

This woman says
The phrase highlights the direct speech and personal testimony of the women involved. In ancient Israel, the testimony of individuals, especially in a legal context, was crucial. The Hebrew word for "says" is "אָמַר" (amar), which conveys not just speaking but declaring or affirming. This emphasizes the seriousness of the claim being made, as each woman asserts her truth before the king.

‘My son is alive and your son is dead,’
This statement reflects the heart of the dispute. The possessive "my" underscores the deep maternal bond and the natural instinct to protect one's child. The Hebrew word for "alive" is "חַי" (chai), which signifies life, vitality, and the essence of being. In contrast, "dead" is "מֵת" (met), representing the finality and sorrow of death. This juxtaposition of life and death is a powerful motif throughout Scripture, often symbolizing spiritual truths and the choices between life in God and separation from Him.

but that woman says
The repetition of the claim by the second woman mirrors the first, creating a tension that requires divine wisdom to resolve. The use of "but" introduces a contrast, highlighting the conflict and the need for discernment. This reflects the biblical principle that truth must be discerned amidst conflicting testimonies, a task that requires wisdom beyond human understanding.

‘No, your son is dead and my son is alive.’
The reversal of the claim by the second woman further complicates the situation. The emphatic "No" in Hebrew is "לֹא" (lo), a strong negation that challenges the first woman's assertion. This back-and-forth highlights the complexity of human relationships and the challenges of justice. It sets the stage for Solomon's wise judgment, which ultimately reveals the true mother and underscores the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God.

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 the newly anointed king of Israel, demonstrating his God-given wisdom.

2. The Two Women
These are the two mothers who come before King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the living child. Their dispute sets the stage for Solomon's wise judgment.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel and the location of Solomon's court where this judgment takes place.

4. The Living Child
The infant who is the subject of the dispute between the two women, representing the truth that Solomon seeks to uncover.

5. The Dead Child
The deceased infant, whose tragic death is central to the conflict and the test of Solomon's wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Value of God-Given Wisdom
Solomon's ability to discern the truth in a complex situation underscores the importance of seeking wisdom from God. Believers are encouraged to pray for wisdom in their daily lives.

The Role of Justice in Leadership
Solomon's judgment highlights the necessity of justice and fairness in leadership. Leaders are called to seek truth and act justly, reflecting God's character.

The Power of Discernment
Discernment is crucial in navigating life's challenges. Like Solomon, Christians should seek to understand the deeper truths in situations, guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of Truth
The account emphasizes the significance of truth and integrity. Believers are reminded to uphold truth in their words and actions, trusting God to reveal and vindicate the truth.

Compassion in Conflict Resolution
Solomon's approach demonstrates compassion and understanding in resolving disputes. Christians are encouraged to approach conflicts with empathy and a desire for reconciliation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9 relate to his ability to judge the case of the two women?

2. In what ways can we apply Solomon's example of seeking divine wisdom in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the account of Solomon's judgment reflect the biblical principle of justice, and how can we practice justice in our communities?

4. What role does discernment play in our decision-making processes, and how can we cultivate it through our relationship with God?

5. How can we ensure that truth and integrity are central to our interactions with others, especially in situations of conflict or disagreement?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that wisdom comes from the Lord, connecting to Solomon's request for wisdom and his ability to discern the truth in this situation.

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

Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is described as living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, similar to how Solomon discerns the true mother.
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
Alive, Child, Dead, Nay, Says, Yours
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

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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