1 Kings 3:6-11

6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

7 “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.

8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.

9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice,

1 Kings 3:6-11 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. S Genesis 17:1; 1 Kings 2:4; 1 Kings 9:4
• 2. 1 Kings 1:48
• 3. Numbers 27:17; 1 Chronicles 22:5; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Jeremiah 1:6
• 4. S Deuteronomy 7:6
• 5. S Genesis 12:2; Genesis 15:5; S 1 Chronicles 27:23
• 6. S 2 Samuel 14:17; James 1:5
• 7. S Deuteronomy 1:16; Proverbs 2:3-9; Hebrews 5:14
• 8. Psalms 72:1-2; 2 Corinthians 2:16
• 9. James 4:3
• 10. 1 Chronicles 22:12