1 Kings 3:21
The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne."
The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son,
This phrase sets the scene in the early morning, a time often associated with new beginnings and revelations in the Bible. The act of nursing highlights the maternal bond and responsibility, reflecting the nurturing role of a mother. In ancient Israel, breastfeeding was a critical part of child-rearing, emphasizing the dependency of the child on the mother. This moment underscores the natural routine disrupted by an unexpected tragedy.

I discovered he was dead.
The discovery of the child's death introduces a dramatic and emotional turning point. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the death of a child was a profound loss, often seen as a tragedy affecting the entire family and community. This moment of realization is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and the need for King Solomon's wisdom. The death also symbolizes the fragility of life and the suddenness with which circumstances can change.

But when I examined him,
The act of examination indicates a closer inspection, suggesting that the mother was attentive and discerning. This careful observation is crucial in the narrative, as it leads to the revelation of the truth. In biblical terms, examination often implies a search for truth or understanding, paralleling the spiritual discernment encouraged throughout Scripture.

I realized that he was not the son I had borne.”
This realization is the climax of the mother's discovery, highlighting her intimate knowledge of her child. The phrase underscores the theme of identity and truth, as the mother recognizes the deception. This moment foreshadows the wisdom of Solomon, who later discerns the true mother through a test of love and sacrifice. The narrative reflects the broader biblical theme of truth prevailing over deceit, and the importance of wisdom in discerning right from wrong.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel known for his wisdom, who is presiding over the case.

2. Two Women
The central figures in this account, both claiming to be the mother of the living child.

3. The Child
The living child who is the subject of the dispute between the two women.

4. Jerusalem
The city where Solomon's court is located, and where this judgment takes place.

5. The Palace
The setting of the event, where Solomon hears the case and delivers his wise judgment.
Teaching Points
The Value of Wisdom
Solomon's ability to discern the truth in a difficult situation underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our own lives.

The Heart's True Intentions
The account reveals how true intentions are often revealed under pressure, encouraging us to examine our own hearts.

God's Justice
This account illustrates God's justice working through Solomon, reminding us that God is the ultimate judge.

The Role of Discernment
Just as Solomon discerned the true mother, we are called to develop discernment in our spiritual and daily lives.

The Power of a Mother's Love
The true mother's willingness to give up her child to save him highlights the sacrificial nature of genuine love.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom earlier in 1 Kings 3 prepare him for this moment of judgment?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decision-making?

3. How does the account of Solomon's judgment encourage us to trust in God's justice in our own lives?

4. What can we learn from the true mother's actions about the nature of sacrificial love?

5. How can we develop discernment to recognize truth in complex situations, as Solomon did?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 3:16-28
This passage provides the full context of the account, detailing Solomon's wise judgment.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom, which Solomon exemplifies.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reflecting Solomon's request for wisdom earlier in 1 Kings 3.

Hebrews 4:12
Relates to the discernment of truth, akin to Solomon's ability to discern the true mother.
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
Bear, Behold, Bore, Borne, Breast, Care, Carefully, Child, Closely, Consider, Considered, Dead, Got, Morning, Nurse, Rise, Rose, Suck, Suckle, Wasn't
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 3:21

     4954   morning
     5428   nurse

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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