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1 Kings 3

28 verses

TL;DR

Solomon receives divine wisdom after praying for discernment, then demonstrates it by adjudicating a disputed child case.

Summary

After building his palace and the Temple, Solomon still performed sacrifices at high places because a house for the LORD was not yet finished. He proclaims his love for the LORD and seeks divine guidance. In a dream, God appears at Gibeon and asks Solomon what he desires; Solomon prays for wisdom to judge his people, not for wealth or long life. God grants him extraordinary wisdom, declares he will not be surpassed, and promises longevity if he obeys His statutes. Solomon awakes, honors the covenant, and a dispute between two women over a child brings him to pass a wise judgment, dividing the living child and granting it to its mother. The Israelites fear Solomon’s wisdom and his power of judgment.

Outline
  1. Solomon’s prayer for wisdom at Gibeon; divine response and gifts
  2. Solomon’s dream and the grant of wisdom and blessing
  3. Solomon’s judicial act with the two women and the nation’s awe
Themes
Divine wisdom and human discernmentFaithful obedience leading to blessingsJudicial justice and mercy
Keywords
SolomonwisdomdreamGibeonJerusalemArkjudgmenthigh placesfather DavidGodking
People
SolomonPharaohDavidPharaoh's daughterGodtwo women (husband and wife)Israelite subjects
Places
EgyptJerusalemGibeonthe city of Davidthe high places
Things
high placesArk of the Covenantsworddreamwisdomburnt offeringspeace offeringsfeastjudicial decision
Key Verses
  • 1 Kings 3:5: God’s appearance in Solomon’s dream sets the stage for the divine grant.
  • 1 Kings 3:12: God declares that Solomon receives unprecedented wisdom.
  • 1 Kings 3:28: Solomon’s wise judgment establishes his reputation among Israel.
Questions
  • What motives prompted Solomon to seek wisdom over riches or long life?
  • How does Solomon’s judicial act reflect the wisdom he received?
  • In what ways does this chapter illustrate the consequences of idolatry versus covenant fidelity?
  • How might Solomon’s actions influence his subsequent reign?
  • Why do the Israelites fear Solomon after the judgment?
  • What does the inclusion of high places suggest about Israel’s religious context at this time?
Sentiment

mixed
Positive elements of divine favor and wisdom, contrasted with negative aspects of idolatry and violent judgment.