1 KINGS 3

GOD GRANTS SOLOMON GREAT WISDOM, WEALTH, + A LONG LIFE

In a political alliance, Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter. After the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, this was not a righteous or wise decision for Solomon. At this time, the temple has not been built and the Israelites are making sacrifices at the high places.

Solomon has a dream where God promises to provide anything he requests. Solomon chooses the wisdom to discern good and evil. God is pleased by this request and gives Solomon wisdom as well as wealth and a long life. After the dream, Solomon brings a sacrifice directly to the ark of the covenant, instead of the high places. Solomon desires to be near God and know His ways. This account is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 1.

In order to settle a dispute, two prostitutes meet before Solomon. The women explain that they each had a child, three days apart, but one of the children died. They both claim that the living child is their own. To discern who is the mother, Solomon suggests slicing the child in two with a sword.

One woman cries out, asking Solomon not to kill the child, but the other woman demands that if she could not have him, neither of them could. Solomon knows that the child’s real mother would respond with compassion, wanting the child to live. Solomon uses his wisdom in an efficient, although odd, display of authority and discernment. Israel is in awe of Solomon’s leadership!