1 Kings 3

In this chapter, Solomon begins his reign as king of Israel and establishes his rule. The most notable event in this chapter is Solomon’s request for wisdom from God, a defining moment that showcases his humility and recognition of his need for divine guidance. His wise judgment in a dispute between two women further solidifies his reputation as a wise and just ruler.

1 Kings 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now Solomon made a treaty with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and married Pharaoh’s daughter; then he brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall all around Jerusalem.
2 Meanwhile the people sacrificed at the high places, because there was no house built for the name of the Lord until those days.
3 And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.
4 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.
5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

Solomon begins his reign with a political move, marrying Pharaoh’s daughter, symbolizing a treaty with Egypt. Although he loved the Lord and followed David’s statutes, he also participated in sacrificing at the high places since the temple had not yet been built. His journey to Gibeon, a recognized high place, shows his devotion through offering numerous sacrifices. It is in this setting that God appears to Solomon, offering him a blank check to ask for whatever he desires.

1 Kings 3:6 (NKJV)
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.”

Solomon begins by acknowledging God’s mercy and faithfulness toward his father David. He reflects on how David’s uprightness and faithfulness led to God’s continued kindness, culminating in Solomon's own ascension to the throne. This humble recognition of God’s goodness sets the tone for Solomon’s request, showing his gratitude for God’s promises being fulfilled.

1 Kings 3:7 (NKJV)
7 Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.

Solomon acknowledges his youth and inexperience, referring to himself as a “little child,” despite being a grown man. He expresses his deep sense of inadequacy in governing such a great people and reveals his dependence on God for guidance and wisdom. His humility is evident in his confession that he lacks the necessary skills to lead effectively.

1 Kings 3:8 (NKJV)
8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.

Solomon highlights the vastness of the nation of Israel, a people chosen by God. He emphasizes the enormity of the task before him, leading such a large and significant nation. His words show that he understands the responsibility that comes with being king over God’s chosen people, further justifying his need for divine help.

1 Kings 3:9 (NKJV)
9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

Rather than asking for wealth, power, or a long life, Solomon requests an understanding heart to judge wisely. He desires the ability to discern between good and evil, acknowledging that this is crucial for governing the people justly. His request reflects his genuine concern for the well-being of Israel and his desire to lead with righteousness and wisdom.

1 Kings 3:10-11 (NKJV)
10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,

God is pleased with Solomon’s selfless request. Rather than asking for personal gain—such as long life, riches, or victory over enemies—Solomon’s request for understanding demonstrates his humility and desire to serve the people well. God’s approval signifies that Solomon’s heart was in the right place, focusing on justice and wisdom rather than material gain or vengeance.

1 Kings 3:12 (NKJV)
12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.

God grants Solomon’s request, blessing him with unparalleled wisdom and understanding. This extraordinary gift ensures that Solomon will stand out in history as one of the wisest men who ever lived. This wisdom will enable him to rule Israel justly and to bring glory to God through his decisions.

1 Kings 3:13 (NKJV)
13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.

In addition to wisdom, God blesses Solomon with wealth and honor—gifts Solomon did not even request. These blessings would set Solomon apart from other kings, elevating him not just in wisdom but in material success and respect. God’s generosity exceeds Solomon’s request, showing that He rewards those who seek His will with abundant grace.

1 Kings 3:14 (NKJV)
14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

God sets a condition for long life: Solomon must continue to walk in obedience to His statutes and commandments, just as David did. This promise connects Solomon’s future well-being with his faithfulness to God’s law. It highlights the importance of continued obedience for a prosperous reign.

1 Kings 3:15 (NKJV)
15 Then Solomon awoke; and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.

Solomon awakens from his dream, realizing that he has had a divine encounter. His immediate response is worship and gratitude. He returns to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and celebrates with his servants. His actions reflect his reverence for God and his acknowledgment of the blessings he has received.

1 Kings 3:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Now two women who were harlots came to the king, and stood before him.
17 And one woman said, “O my lord, this woman and I dwell in the same house; and I gave birth while she was in the house.
18 Then it happened, the third day after I had given birth, that this woman also gave birth. And we were together; no one was with us in the house, except the two of us in the house.

Two women, identified as harlots, present a case before Solomon. Both had given birth within days of each other, and no one else was in the house, meaning there were no witnesses to the events that followed. This context sets up the dispute that will test Solomon’s wisdom.

1 Kings 3:19-21 (NKJV)
19 And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him.
20 So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from my side, while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
21 And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, there he was, dead. But when I had examined him in the morning, indeed, he was not my son whom I had borne.”

One of the women claims that the other’s child died during the night and that the woman had secretly switched the babies. When she woke up, she found a dead child, but upon closer examination, she realized it was not her own son. This story sets up a complex situation where Solomon must discern the truth.

1 Kings 3:22 (NKJV)
22 Then the other woman said, “No! But the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son.” And the first woman said, “No! But the dead one is your son, and the living one is my son.” Thus they spoke before the king.

Both women now argue before Solomon, each insisting that the living child belongs to her and the dead child belongs to the other. The case presents a difficult dilemma with no witnesses, forcing Solomon to rely on wisdom to determine the truth.

1 Kings 3:23-25 (NKJV)
23 And the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son, who lives, and your son is the dead one’; and the other says, ‘No! But your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.’”
24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword before the king.
25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other.”

Solomon restates the case and then, in a surprising move, orders that the living child be cut in half, giving each woman a portion. This drastic suggestion is a test to reveal the true mother by provoking a response that would display genuine love for the child.

1 Kings 3:26 (NKJV)
26 Then the woman whose son was living spoke to the king, for she yearned with compassion for her son; and she said, “O my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him!” But the other said, “Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him.”

The real mother’s compassion is immediately revealed when she pleads for the child’s life, even if it means giving him to the other woman. In contrast, the other woman’s callousness confirms her lie, as she agrees to have the child divided. Solomon’s test has successfully exposed the truth.

1 Kings 3:27 (NKJV)
27 So the king answered and said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she is his mother.”

Solomon wisely declares that the woman who was willing to give up her claim to save the child’s life is the true mother. His judgment not only resolves the dispute but demonstrates the depth of his God-given wisdom.

1 Kings 3:28 (NKJV)
28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

Solomon’s wise judgment spreads throughout Israel, and the people are in awe of his ability to administer justice. His wisdom, recognized as a gift from God, solidifies his reputation and strengthens his authority as king. This event marks a significant moment in establishing Solomon’s credibility as a wise and just ruler.