One woman said, "Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. One woman said,This phrase introduces one of the two women involved in the famous judgment of Solomon. The identity of the woman is not specified, highlighting the universality of the story's moral lesson. The anonymity of the women emphasizes the focus on wisdom and justice rather than social status or personal identity. “Please, my lord,
The term "my lord" is a respectful address to King Solomon, acknowledging his authority and role as judge. This reflects the cultural norms of ancient Israel, where kings were seen as divinely appointed leaders responsible for maintaining justice and order. this woman and I live in the same house,
The shared living arrangement suggests a close, possibly economic relationship between the two women, likely indicating they were both of lower social status. In ancient Israel, communal living was common among those who were not wealthy, and it underscores the domestic setting of the conflict. and I gave birth while she was in the house.
The timing of the birth is crucial to the narrative, as it sets the stage for the ensuing dispute. The mention of childbirth connects to themes of life, motherhood, and the vulnerability of infants, which are significant in biblical narratives. This detail also highlights the intimate and immediate nature of the conflict, as both women were present during the critical events that followed. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel known for his wisdom, who is approached by two women seeking justice. 2. Two WomenThe central figures in this account, both claiming to be the mother of a living child. 3. The HouseThe shared dwelling of the two women, setting the stage for the dispute. 4. The BabyThe living child at the center of the conflict, whose true mother is in question. 5. The Court of SolomonThe place where the judgment is sought, symbolizing the seat of wisdom and justice. Teaching Points The Value of WisdomSolomon's ability to discern the truth in a complex situation underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom in our own lives. God's ProvisionJust as God granted Solomon wisdom, He is willing to provide us with the guidance we need when we ask in faith. Justice and TruthThe account illustrates the importance of justice and truth, reminding us to seek fairness and honesty in our dealings with others. Community and AccountabilityLiving in close quarters, as the women did, can lead to conflicts. This highlights the need for accountability and reconciliation within our communities. The Role of LeadershipSolomon's role as a wise leader serves as a model for those in positions of authority to act with integrity and discernment. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9-12 prepare him for the situation described in 1 Kings 3:17? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes? 3. How does the account of Solomon's judgment encourage us to pursue truth and justice in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn about community living and resolving conflicts from the two women living in the same house? 5. How can leaders today emulate Solomon's example of wise and fair judgment in their own spheres of influence? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:9-12Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which is granted, setting the context for his wise judgment in this account. Proverbs 2:6Highlights that wisdom comes from the Lord, reinforcing the divine source of Solomon's discernment. James 1:5Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, drawing a parallel to Solomon's request and God's generous response. People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Abode, Ah, Birth, Bring, Child, Delivered, Dwell, Dwelling, Forth, O, OhDictionary 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 Links 1 Kings 3:17 NIV1 Kings 3:17 NLT1 Kings 3:17 ESV1 Kings 3:17 NASB1 Kings 3:17 KJV
1 Kings 3:17 Commentaries
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