Wisdom from Above: Solomon's Divine Gift

1 Kings 3 is an inspiring testament to the value of wisdom, especially divine wisdom, over any worldly gain. It teaches us that when we put God's affairs and his people before our personal desires, God blesses us abundantly in ways we can't imagine. It also affirms the power of wise decision-making in leadership, showing how it earns respect and trust from the people one is leading.

Solomon at Gibeon (Verses 1-4)

Solomon forms a marriage alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and takes Pharaoh's daughter to the city of David. As he is still constructing his own house, the house of the Lord, and the wall around Jerusalem, he offers sacrifices at the high place in Gibeon because that is the most significant high place. In a grand gesture, he offers a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.

Solomon's Dream (Verses 5-15)

At Gibeon, God appears to Solomon in a dream and offers him whatever he wishes. Instead of asking for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies, Solomon asks for an understanding mind to govern God's people and to discern between good and evil. God is pleased with Solomon's request and grants him a wise and discerning heart, promising him both riches and honor, such that no other king will match him. God also adds a promise of a long life if Solomon follows God's statutes and commandments. Solomon awakens and realizes it was a dream. He returns to Jerusalem, stands before the Ark of the Covenant, and offers sacrifices to God and throws a feast for all his servants.

Solomon’s Wise Judgment (Verses 16-28)

Two prostitutes come to King Solomon for a judgment. They live in the same house and have given birth to sons three days apart. One woman claims the other woman's child died because she rolled over it, and then she switched her dead child with the living one while the other woman was asleep. After hearing both sides, Solomon calls for a sword and commands to divide the living child in two, giving half to each woman. The real mother, in her love for the child, urges Solomon not to kill the baby but to give him to the other woman. The other woman agrees with Solomon's judgment, exposing herself as the false mother. Solomon then gives the baby to the first woman, his true mother, showing his wise judgment. All of Israel hears of this judgment and they held the king in awe because they saw the wisdom of God in him to execute justice.

1 Kings 3 is a significant chapter in the Old Testament, portraying the young king Solomon's deep yearning for wisdom over any worldly possession. The chapter takes us through his dream at Gibeon, his humble prayer to God, and his first test of wisdom. His earnest plea for an understanding heart to govern his people well is met with divine approval and abundant blessings.

1. Divine wisdom and understanding
2. Judgment and decision-making
3. Prayers and dreams
4. Leadership and responsibility
5. God's intervention in human affairs1. Solomon's dream and his request for wisdom
2. The divine gift of wisdom to Solomon
3. Solomon's wise judgement over the two women's case1. Solomon
2. God
3. The two women disputing over the baby
4. The servants of King Solomon1. Gibeon
2. Jerusalem

1. What was Solomon's main request from God in his dream? Why is this significant?

2. How does Solomon's choice reflect his character and readiness to be king?

3. In what ways does God's response to Solomon's request demonstrate His divine character?

4. How did Solomon's dream impact his leadership style?

5. What can we learn from Solomon's request when praying for our own needs or desires?

6. Consider the case of the two women. What does their story teach about love and motherhood?

7. How does Solomon's solution to the problem show his wisdom?

8. What was the reaction of the people when they heard of Solomon's judgement? Why do you think they reacted this way?

9. How can we apply the wisdom Solomon demonstrated in our own decision-making?

10. Why do you think Solomon chose to marry Pharaoh's daughter? What were the potential implications of this decision?

11. If you were in Solomon's shoes, what would you have asked God for? Why?

12. How can we discern between self-interest and the greater good in our own lives, as Solomon did in his dream?

13. How can leaders today apply Solomon's approach to governance in their leadership?

14. How can Solomon's wisdom help you handle disputes or conflicts in your own life?

15. How does Solomon's interaction with God in his dream affect your understanding of prayer and divine communication?

16. How does God's promise of a long life if Solomon obeys His commandments resonate with the New Testament's teachings on obedience?

17. What does this chapter reveal about the nature and power of true wisdom?

18. How does Solomon's wise judgement reflect on the value of justice and fairness in society today?

19. In what ways does Solomon's dream speak to the importance of setting the right priorities in life?

20. Reflecting on the narrative of the two women and the baby, how would you use wisdom to decide in a difficult situation you currently face or might face in the future?