Bible Chapter Summary
1 Kings 3 Summary
Solomon's Wisdom and Judgment
Solomon takes Pharaoh's daughter as wife and builds his house, the house of the LORD, and Jerusalem's walls. Going to Gibeon to sacrifice, Solomon dreams that God asks what He should give him; Solomon asks for an understanding heart to judge God's people wisely rather than requesting riches or long life. God grants him wisdom exceeding all others, along with riches and honor. Solomon immediately demonstrates his wisdom in judging between two harlots fighting over a living child: he threatens to divide the living child in two, and the true mother reveals herself by surrendering her claim to save the child's life.
Key themes
Key verses
1 Kings 3:5
“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.”
1 Kings 3:9
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
1 Kings 3:12
“Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.”
1 Kings 3:27
“Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.”
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