1 Kings 3:9-12

9 "So ¹give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people ²to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"

God's Answer

10 It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing.

11 God said to him, "Because * you have asked this thing and have ³not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,

12 behold, ⁴I have done according to your words. Behold, ⁵I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you.

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1 Kings 3:9-12 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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Cross References 5

1. 2 Chronicles 1:10; Psalms 72:1, 2; Proverbs 2:3-9; James 1:5
2. 2 Samuel 14:17; Hebrews 5:14
3. James 4:3
4. 1 John 5:14, 15
5. 1 Kings 4:29-31; 1 Kings 5:12; 1 Kings 10:23, 24; Ecclesiastes 1:16

Footnotes 5

[a]. Lit "a hearing"
[b]. Lit "heavy"
[c]. Lit "the thing"
[d]. Lit "many days"
[e]. Lit "hearing"