A study of 1 Kings chapter 3 reveals themes of divine wisdom, righteous leadership, and answered prayer. The narrative focuses on King Solomon's request for wisdom and God's generous response, demonstrated in the famous case of the two prostitutes.

Scripture reading

• 1 Kings 3:1–28

Overview

After consolidating his rule, the young King Solomon who was about 20 years old when he took the throne then makes a political alliance (peace treaty) with Egypt, marrying the Pharaoh's daughter, 1 Kings 3:1. The Pharaoh was probably Siamon of the 21st dynasty. His motivation was obviously political, as we know Solomon was not as careful as he should have been about marrying Israelites. This union did result in peace with Israel’s neighbor to the southwest which was weak during his reign. He housed his bride in Jerusalem and after completing the building projects of his palace and the temple he did prepare a special house (palace) for her 1 Kings 7:8

Solomon loves the Lord, and during this time the Israelites adopted the Canaanites custom of worshipping and offering sacrifices at "high places" because the Temple has not yet been built. The times of worship and offering sacrifices took place on hilltops and other higher elevations out of a thought to be as close to God as possible. In Leviticus 17:3-4 it was prohibited by the law to offer sacrifices at places other than the tabernacle. Nevertheless, this practice was commonly observed during this time by the Israelites, even by Solomon. The most popular “high place” was at Gideon about 5 miles north of Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin.

In a significant act of worship, 1 Kings 3:3-5 Solomon offers a thousand burnt offerings at Gibeon. There, the Lord appears to him in a dream (not uncommon in ancient Israel Genesis 28:10-15 and Genesis 37:5-7) and the Lord offers Solomon anything he desires. In 1 Kings 3: 6-9 Solomon recognized that God’s kindness to David was due to his father’s faithfulness to God which manifested itself in righteous actions and upright attitudes of the heart. He also acknowledged his own immaturity and need for wisdom. He was admitting his inexperience and his concern about performing effectively as the vice-regent of Yahweh, 1 Chronicles 22:5 and 1 Chronicles 29:1. Solomon’s responsibility as the leader and judge of God’s people weighed heavily on him. Solomon’s humble request for wisdom, a discerning heart to govern God's people in the way that God would wanted them led. He acknowledged his dependence on God by referring to himself as God’s servant, 1 Kings 3:7-8. This pleased the Lord because Solomon placed the good of God’s people above his own peace and prosperity and his own desire to be a powerful and popular King. His desires and values were in the right place according to God’s perspective. Therefore, God blesses Solomon not only with what he asked for, exceptional discernment but also with riches, honor, and a long life if he remained faithful to pursue the will of God. 1 Kings 3:9-14

We see then which is often the case that a blessing from God draws Solomon into a closer relationship with God, 1 Kings 3:15. Solomon turned from the “high place” and went to the tabernacle. He could not enter the most holy place; only the high priest could enter there once a year, Leviticus Chapter 16. The King stood outside the tabernacle facing toward the ark. Burnt offerings expressed the complete dedication of oneself to God and fellowship offerings symbolized the fellowship people can enjoy with God and with others through God’s grace. Solomon’s feast expressed his joy and gratitude to the members of his court.

Shortly after, Solomon's divine wisdom is put to the test when two women prostitutes living in the same house, each had a baby three days apart. One of the boy babies died during the night and his mother exchanged the dead child for the living child. In the morning when the other woman discovered that the dead child was not hers, the guilty mother refused to admit her wrongdoing. They appeared before the king, each claiming the living child was theirs. In 1 Kings 3: 24-27 Solomon’s ingenious solution reveals the true mother's compassion and demonstrates to all Israel that he possesses the wisdom of God. His wisdom from God became known throughout the kingdom so that he was admired as a wise administrator of justice, 1 Kings 3:28.

The demonstration of wisdom (1 Kings 3:16–28)

1. Wisdom and leadership: What are the key qualities of righteous leadership demonstrated in this chapter? How does God's wisdom equip leaders to administer true justice?
2. Wisdom for today: How can believers seek and apply God's wisdom to navigate the difficult disputes and complex decisions they face in modern life?

Key takeaway

1 Kings chapter 3 showcases the profound impact of seeking God's wisdom above all else. When one humbles themselves and asks God for a "discerning heart" to serve His purposes, He generously responds and equips beyond expectations. The outcome is not only personal blessing but also a powerful testimony that points others to God who administers perfect justice. So often, we feel unequipped and unworthy of being in a leadership role that God calls us to. We must seek His wisdom and trust that He will equip us and lead us with His wisdom to discern how to lead according to how God would want us to lead. If we will humble ourselves to communicate in prayer to God concerning all things, waiting for His confirmation, asking for His wisdom on matters, seeking guidance from God’s word then we will find that God will carry us through the tasks of a calling where we are serving The Lord.