1 Kings 3 explained: Solomon Asks for Wisdom

Alliances and hilltop worship (vv. 1-3)

Marrying a foreign king's daughter was a common way to seal a treaty, and Solomon did so with Egypt. People still offered sacrifices at hilltop shrines because the temple in Jerusalem was not yet built, and the writer notes that Solomon did this too, even though he loved the LORD.

The offer at Gibeon (vv. 4-5)

Gibeon held the old tent of worship from Moses' time, which made it the most important of these shrines, and Solomon offered a thousand animals there, perhaps over a festival lasting several days. That night God appeared to him in a dream with an open offer: ask for anything.

Solomon's request (vv. 6-9)

Calling himself "a little child" is a humble way of saying he felt unready to lead, though his actual age at this point is not known for certain. He asks for what the Hebrew calls a listening heart, the ability to hear people well and judge fairly between right and wrong.

God's answer (vv. 10-15)

Because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the death of his enemies, God promises him unmatched wisdom plus the wealth and honor he never asked for. Long life is promised only if he stays faithful, and Solomon gives thanks before the ark in Jerusalem, the sacred chest that stood for God's presence.

Two mothers, one baby (vv. 16-22)

Two women who shared a house each gave birth, and one baby died in the night. Each now claims the living child, and with no witnesses it is one woman's word against the other's.

The sword and the verdict (vv. 23-28)

Solomon's order to cut the baby in two was a test of what each woman truly felt, and the real mother revealed herself by giving up her claim to save her son's life. The story shows the people that the wisdom God promised Solomon was real and used for justice.

Key verse: 1 Kings 3:9

Where Christians differ

Readers differ on whether this chapter paints Solomon in a wholly positive light, or whether the notes about the Egyptian marriage and the hilltop shrines are meant as early hints of the failings that later bring him down.

Something to think about

If you could be given one quality to handle your biggest responsibility well, what would you choose, and what does that choice say about what you value?