1 Kings 3:26-27

26 Then the woman whose child was the living one spoke to the king, for ¹she was deeply * stirred over her son and said, "Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him." But the other said, "He shall be neither * mine nor yours; divide him!"

27 Then the king said, "Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother."

1 Kings 3:26-27 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.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 43:30; Isaiah 49:15; Jeremiah 31:20; Hosea 11:8

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "her compassion grew warm"
• [b]. Lit "her the living child"