What is the meaning of 1 Kings 3:22? “No,” said the other woman, • The immediate contradiction reveals a heart willing to lie to gain what she desires (Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 12:22). • Her single-word denial sets the tone of the dispute—two incompatible truth claims standing before the throne of Israel’s anointed king (Proverbs 18:17). • The scene demonstrates how sin quickly denies responsibility and reality, echoing the first denial in Eden (Genesis 3:12-13). “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” • She flips the facts, hoping that repetition will persuade (Psalm 52:3-4). • Motherhood is meant to protect life (Isaiah 49:15), yet here it is distorted into a selfish grab for another’s child. • The statement is delivered in Solomon’s presence, placing the burden on the king to discern truth (1 Kings 3:9). But the first woman insisted, • The real mother refuses to let deceit go unchallenged; her persistence springs from genuine love (1 Corinthians 13:6-7). • Like the persistent widow (Luke 18:3-5), she continues pressing her plea, trusting that righteous judgment will prevail. • Her firmness underlines the difference between a heart of truth and a heart seeking advantage (Psalm 15:2). “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” • She restates the facts plainly, reversing the lie with identical words—truth steadfastly counters deception (Ephesians 4:25). • By claiming the living child, she stakes everything on Solomon’s discernment, demonstrating faith in God-given authority (Romans 13:1-4). • Her concise restatement forms the final testimony before Solomon acts (Deuteronomy 19:15). So they argued before the king. • The unresolved clash highlights the limits of human testimony when eyewitness accounts conflict (Jeremiah 17:9). • God uses the tension to showcase the wisdom He had just granted to Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-12; 3:28). • The king’s courtroom foreshadows Christ, the greater Judge who exposes every false claim and vindicates truth (John 2:24-25; Revelation 19:11). summary 1 Kings 3:22 captures two women locked in a life-and-death dispute, each claiming the surviving infant. Their conflicting declarations expose the deceitfulness of sin and the vulnerability of truth when human words alone must settle a matter. The verse sets the stage for Solomon’s famed judgment, demonstrating humanity’s need for God-given wisdom to pierce lies, uphold life, and deliver justice. |
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