1 Kings 3

Solomon then said that he felt like a little child¹⁸ when he contemplated the heavy responsibility of caring for God’s chosen people (verses 7–8), who were too numerous to count (see Genesis 13:16; 15:5). Therefore, what Solomon wanted from God was a discerning heart so he would be able to govern God’s people (verse 9). Solomon’s request reminds us of James’ assurance that if we ask God for wisdom¹⁹ He will give it to us (James 1:5–6). All of us, whoever we are, need the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:20–30), the wisdom that comes from heaven (James 3:13–17).

10–12 God was pleased that Solomon’s request had been unselfish and that he was concerned primarily for the welfare of his people. So God gave Solomon supernatural wisdom, with the result that before or since. It is all the more tragic, therefore, that in his later years Solomon wasted this precious gift from God and ultimately lost it (1 Kings 11:1–11).

13–14 In addition to wisdom, God promised to give Solomon other blessings that he hadn’t asked for—both riches and honor (verse 13). God even promised Solomon a long life (see Deuteronomy 6:1–2)—if he walked in God’s ways and obeyed His commands (verse 14). Once again we see that our enjoyment of covenant blessings is contingent on our obedience to covenant stipulations.

One is reminded of Jesus’ statement that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be given to [us] as well (Matthew 6:31–33). We receive spiritual gifts by seeking them; we receive temporal gifts by not seeking them. Solomon received a spiritual gift (wisdom) because he asked for it; he received a temporal gift (riches and honor) because he did not ask for it.²⁰

15 After Solomon awoke from his dream, he returned to Jerusalem and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings²¹ before the ark of the Lord’s covenant (see Exodus 25:10–22).

A Wise Ruling (3:16–28)

16–28 In this section, the writer relates a famous incident in which Solomon’s Godgiven wisdom is revealed. The incident concerned two prostitutes, each of whom was claiming that a newly born baby belonged to her. Solomon was able to discern which woman was the true mother by ordering that the baby be cut in two and half given to each woman; when one woman quickly offered to give up the child to save its life, Solomon knew that she was the real mother (verses 24-27). The all Israel recognized that God had answered Solomon’s prayer for a discerning heart (verse 9) and had given him wisdom . . . to administer justice (verse 28).