When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. When all Israel heardThe phrase "When all Israel heard" indicates the widespread dissemination of the news regarding King Solomon's judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, news would travel through word of mouth, often carried by travelers, traders, and officials. The phrase underscores the unity of the nation under Solomon's rule, as "all Israel" suggests a collective identity and shared experience among the tribes. This unity is significant in the biblical narrative, as it reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about a great nation. the judgment the king had rendered
The "judgment" refers to the famous decision Solomon made between two women claiming to be the mother of a child. The Hebrew word for judgment, "mishpat," implies a legal decision or decree. This particular judgment is a demonstration of Solomon's God-given wisdom, as it was not only a legal decision but also a moral and ethical one. The king's ability to render such a judgment highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible. they stood in awe of the king
The reaction of the people, "they stood in awe," indicates a deep respect and reverence for Solomon. The Hebrew root "yare" can mean fear, reverence, or awe, suggesting that the people recognized something divine in Solomon's ability to judge rightly. This awe is not merely about Solomon's human capabilities but is a recognition of the divine wisdom bestowed upon him. It reflects the biblical principle that true wisdom and authority come from God. because they saw that the wisdom of God was in him
The phrase "the wisdom of God was in him" is central to understanding Solomon's role as king. The wisdom Solomon possessed was not of human origin but was a divine gift, as seen earlier in 1 Kings 3 when Solomon asks God for wisdom. The Hebrew word for wisdom, "chokmah," encompasses not just knowledge but also the skill and ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways. This divine wisdom is a testament to God's faithfulness in equipping those He calls to lead His people. to administer justice
Finally, "to administer justice" speaks to the purpose of Solomon's wisdom. The Hebrew word for justice, "tsedeq," is often associated with righteousness and fairness. Solomon's role as king was not just to rule but to ensure that justice was upheld in the land. This reflects the biblical ideal of a king who is not only a political leader but also a moral and spiritual guide for the nation. The administration of justice is a key theme in the Old Testament, pointing to God's desire for His people to live in a society marked by righteousness and equity. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe 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 demonstrates his God-given wisdom in a famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of the same child. 2. All IsraelRefers to the people of the united kingdom of Israel during Solomon's reign. Their reaction to Solomon's judgment reflects their recognition of his divinely granted wisdom. 3. The JudgmentThis event is a demonstration of Solomon's wisdom, where he discerns the true mother of a child by suggesting to divide the living child in two, revealing the real mother through her compassionate response. Teaching Points The Source of True WisdomTrue wisdom comes from God, as demonstrated in Solomon's life. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God in their daily lives. The Role of Justice in LeadershipSolomon's judgment highlights the importance of justice in leadership. Leaders are called to administer justice fairly and wisely, reflecting God's character. The Impact of Godly Wisdom on OthersThe awe and respect of the people of Israel towards Solomon show how godly wisdom can influence and inspire others. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects God's wisdom, impacting those around them. Discernment in Difficult SituationsSolomon's ability to discern the truth in a complex situation is a reminder of the need for discernment in our own lives. We should seek God's guidance in making difficult decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom from God in 1 Kings 3:9-12 set the stage for the judgment in 1 Kings 3:28, and what can we learn from his example about seeking wisdom? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking divine wisdom in our personal and professional lives, as seen in Solomon's judgment? 3. How does the reaction of "all Israel" to Solomon's judgment challenge us to consider the impact of our decisions and actions on those around us? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our leadership or influence is characterized by justice and fairness, as demonstrated by Solomon? 5. How can we cultivate discernment in our lives to navigate complex situations, and what role does prayer and scripture play in this process? Connections to Other Scriptures James 1:5This verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault. It connects to Solomon's request for wisdom from God, highlighting the importance of seeking divine guidance. Proverbs 2:6This verse states that the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. It underscores the source of Solomon's wisdom as being from God. 1 Corinthians 1:30This verse speaks of Christ being our wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, drawing a parallel to the divine wisdom seen in Solomon's judgment. People David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Egypt, Gibeon, JerusalemTopics Administer, Awe, Decision, Decisions, Fear, Feared, Handed, Heart, Held, Judged, Judgment, Justice, News, Perceived, Render, Rendered, Stood, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 3:28 1180 God, wisdom of
5361 justice, human
5362 justice, believers' lives
5366 king
5897 judging others
5948 shrewdness 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 3:28 NIV1 Kings 3:28 NLT1 Kings 3:28 ESV1 Kings 3:28 NASB1 Kings 3:28 KJV
1 Kings 3:28 Commentaries
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