Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. "Please, my lord," she said, "give her the living baby. Do not kill him!" But the other woman said, "He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!" Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the kingThis phrase introduces the true mother, whose maternal instincts and love for her child compel her to speak. The Hebrew word for "spoke" (דָּבַר, dabar) often implies a significant or authoritative communication. In this context, it underscores the urgency and sincerity of the mother's plea. Historically, this moment is set in the court of King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom. The setting emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the desperation of the mother. because she yearned with compassion for her son
The phrase "yearned with compassion" translates from the Hebrew word רָחַם (racham), which conveys deep emotional stirring and mercy. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's compassion for His people, highlighting the depth of the mother's love. Her compassion is a reflection of the divine attribute of mercy, illustrating the natural, God-given bond between a mother and her child. 'Please, my lord,' she said, 'give her the living baby. Do not kill him!'
The plea "Please, my lord" shows respect and submission to King Solomon's authority, acknowledging his role as judge. The Hebrew word for "please" (נָא, na) is a particle of entreaty, indicating the urgency and earnestness of her request. Her willingness to give up her child to save his life demonstrates selfless love, a theme that resonates with the sacrificial love seen throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament with Christ's sacrifice. But the other woman said, 'He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!'
The stark contrast between the two women is highlighted here. The phrase "He will be neither mine nor yours" reveals the other woman's bitterness and envy. Her willingness to see the child killed rather than belong to the true mother exposes a heart hardened by sin. This reflects the destructive nature of envy and selfishness, which are condemned throughout the Bible. The suggestion to "Cut him in two" is a shocking display of her lack of maternal instinct and compassion, serving as a foil to the true mother's love. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, which he received from God. In this passage, he is the king of Israel, making a wise judgment. 2. The Two WomenThese women are described as harlots who come to King Solomon with a dispute over a living child, each claiming to be the mother. 3. The Living ChildThe baby at the center of the dispute, whose true mother is revealed through Solomon's wise judgment. 4. JerusalemThe city where King Solomon's court is located, serving as the setting for this event. 5. The Throne of JudgmentThe place where Solomon sits to hear and decide cases brought before him, demonstrating his role as a judge and leader. Teaching Points The Value of Godly WisdomSolomon's judgment highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God in making difficult decisions. Believers are encouraged to pray for wisdom in their own lives. Compassion as a Marker of True LoveThe true mother's compassion reveals her identity. This teaches us that genuine love is selfless and sacrificial, prioritizing the well-being of others. Discernment in LeadershipSolomon's ability to discern the truth demonstrates the necessity of wisdom and discernment in leadership roles, whether in the church, family, or workplace. The Heart's True IntentionsThe passage illustrates how true intentions are revealed under pressure. Believers should examine their hearts and ensure their actions align with God's love and truth. The Role of Justice in SocietySolomon's judgment underscores the importance of justice in maintaining order and righteousness in society. Christians are called to advocate for justice and fairness in their communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9-12 prepare him for the judgment he makes in 1 Kings 3:26? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply Godly wisdom in our daily decision-making processes? 3. How does the true mother's response in 1 Kings 3:26 reflect the nature of Christ's love for us? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate discernment and justice in our leadership roles? 5. How can we ensure that our actions and decisions reflect the true intentions of our hearts, as seen in the account of the two women? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 3:9-12This passage describes Solomon's request for wisdom from God, which is directly connected to his ability to make the wise judgment in 1 Kings 3:26. Proverbs 3:5-6These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, which is exemplified by Solomon's reliance on God-given wisdom. James 1:5This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reflecting the divine source of Solomon's discernment. People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Account, Ah, Alive, Baby, Bowels, Child, Compassion, Cut, Death, Deeply, Divide, Filled, Forward, Heart, Kill, O, Oh, Please, Slay, Spake, Spoke, Stirred, Wise, Yea, Yearned, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 3:26 5781 affection
5809 compassion, human
6691 mercy, human
8300 love, and the world 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 3:24-28 8228 discernment, examples 1 Kings 3:26-28 8409 decision-making, and providence 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 3:26 NIV1 Kings 3:26 NLT1 Kings 3:26 ESV1 Kings 3:26 NASB1 Kings 3:26 KJV
1 Kings 3:26 Commentaries
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