◄ 1 Kings 3:24 ►
The king continued, "Bring me a sword." So they brought him a sword,
Study Bible
The king continued,
This phrase refers to King Solomon, who was the son of King David and Bathsheba. Solomon is known for his wisdom, which he famously requested from God at the beginning of his reign. This particular narrative is part of a larger story demonstrating Solomon's God-given wisdom. The context is a legal dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same child. Solomon's role as king included being the supreme judge of Israel, a role that required discernment and wisdom.

“Bring me a sword.”
The request for a sword is significant as it symbolizes authority and judgment. In ancient Israel, the king had the power to execute justice, and the sword was a common symbol of this power. The sword here is not intended for violence but as a tool to reveal the truth. This moment foreshadows the wisdom of Solomon, as he uses the threat of dividing the child to discern the true mother. The sword also has broader biblical symbolism, often representing the Word of God, which discerns truth and falsehood (Hebrews 4:12).

So they brought him a sword,
The obedience of Solomon's servants in bringing the sword reflects the respect and authority Solomon commanded as king. It also sets the stage for the resolution of the conflict, highlighting the trust placed in Solomon's judgment. This act of bringing the sword is a pivotal moment in the narrative, leading to the revelation of the true mother. The story illustrates the fulfillment of Solomon's request for wisdom from God, as he is able to administer justice in a way that reveals the truth and restores order.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, he is the central figure demonstrating his God-given wisdom.

2. Two Women
These women are described as harlots who come to King Solomon with a dispute over a living child, each claiming to be the mother. Their case sets the stage for Solomon's wise judgment.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Solomon reigned as king. It is the political and spiritual center of Israel during Solomon's reign.

4. The Sword
A symbol of justice and authority. Solomon's request for a sword is a pivotal moment in the account, leading to the revelation of the true mother.

5. The Court
The setting where Solomon hears the case. It represents the place of judgment and decision-making in the kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Source of True Wisdom
Solomon's wisdom is a gift from God, reminding us that true wisdom comes from seeking God and His guidance in our lives.

Discernment in Leadership
Solomon's ability to discern the truth in a difficult situation is a model for leaders to seek God's wisdom in making just and fair decisions.

The Power of Righteous Judgment
The sword symbolizes the power of righteous judgment. As believers, we are called to judge situations with fairness and integrity, guided by God's Word.

The Role of Justice in Society
This passage underscores the importance of justice in maintaining order and righteousness in society. Christians are called to advocate for justice and truth.

The Heart's True Intentions
Solomon's test reveals the true intentions of the heart. We are reminded that God knows our hearts and desires truth in our innermost being.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's request for a sword demonstrate his wisdom and understanding of human nature?

2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decision-making, as Solomon did?

3. How does the concept of justice in this passage relate to the justice God calls us to pursue in our communities today?

4. What can we learn from Solomon's approach to resolving conflict that can be applied to conflicts in our own lives?

5. How does this account illustrate the importance of discerning the true intentions of the heart, and how can we apply this discernment in our relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that wisdom comes from the Lord, connecting to Solomon's request for wisdom from God earlier in 1 Kings 3.

Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is described as sharper than any two-edged sword, drawing a parallel to the discernment and wisdom Solomon displays in this passage.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reflecting Solomon's earlier request for wisdom to govern his people.
Sermons
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
Bring, Fetch, Sword
Dictionary 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

1 Kings 3:24-25

     5811   compromise

1 Kings 3:24-28

     8228   discernment, examples

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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