1 Kings 3:7-17

7 O Lord God, you have let me succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and don't know how to rule.
8 Here I am among the people you have chosen to be your own, a people who are so many that they cannot be counted.
9 So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this,
11 and so he said to him, "Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies,
12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again.
13 I will also give you what you have not asked for: all your life you will have wealth and honor, more than that of any other king.
14 And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
15 Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. Then he went to Jerusalem and stood in front of the Lord's Covenant Box and offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. After that he gave a feast for all his officials.
16 One day two prostitutes came and presented themselves before King Solomon.
17 One of them said, "Your Majesty, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a baby boy at home while she was there.

1 Kings 3:7-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 3

This chapter relates the marriage of Solomon with Pharaoh's daughter, 1Ki 3:1; his piety and devotion, 1Ki 3:2-4; his prayer for wisdom and understanding, which was acceptable to God, who promised to grant his request, with an addition to it, 1Ki 3:5-15; an instance and proof of the wisdom given him in determining a case between two harlots brought before him, which greatly raised his reputation, and gave him reverence among his people, 1Ki 3:16-28.

Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.