What is the meaning of 1 Kings 3:28? When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given Solomon’s decision between the two women and one living child (1 Kings 3:16-27) traveled fast. • Word spread “throughout all Israel,” showing how quickly a righteous act can influence an entire nation (cf. Deuteronomy 4:6, “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations”). • The account underscores the public nature of justice; people must hear it to be shaped by it (Proverbs 20:8). • Scripture records the event as fact, affirming the literal historicity of Solomon’s first recorded case. They stood in awe of him The result of hearing truth applied rightly is reverent respect. • “Awe” includes both admiration and healthy fear (1 Samuel 12:18; 2 Chronicles 17:10). • Such respect is not man-worship; it is the proper response when God works through a leader (Romans 13:3-4). • Solomon’s authority is validated before the whole land, setting the tone for his reign (Ecclesiastes 8:1). For they saw Israel’s response is based on visible evidence, not rumor. • The people “saw” the outcome: a living baby protected and a lie exposed (1 Kings 10:6-7, “The report I heard… was true”). • True wisdom is observable (Matthew 11:19, “Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds”). • God invites His people to test and witness His work (Psalm 34:8). That the wisdom of God was in him The source of Solomon’s insight is unmistakably divine. • God had promised: “I will give you a wise and discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:12). • Later Scripture notes, “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight” (1 Kings 4:29-34). • All genuine wisdom descends “from above” (James 3:17); it is never merely human brilliance. • Daniel’s counselors recognized a similar gift in him (Daniel 1:17), reinforcing that wisdom is a gift granted for God’s purposes. To administer justice Wisdom’s goal is right judgment, protecting the innocent and restraining evil. • Moses had charged leaders: “Judge righteously… do not show partiality” (Deuteronomy 1:16-17). • Proverbs—compiled largely under Solomon—echoes this theme: “By me kings reign and rulers enact just laws” (Proverbs 8:15-16). • Messiah Himself is foreseen as the ultimate wise judge: “He will judge the poor with righteousness” (Isaiah 11:2-4; Psalm 72:1-2). • For believers today, this points to Christ, “who became to us wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30), enabling churches and families to practice justice in daily life. summary 1 Kings 3:28 records Israel’s reaction to Solomon’s first public ruling: nationwide awe rooted in clear evidence that God had endowed their king with supernatural wisdom so that justice might flourish. The verse teaches that: • Justice, publicly demonstrated, shapes an entire culture. • True authority provokes reverent respect when it reflects God’s character. • Wisdom is recognized by its fruit, proving its divine origin. • God grants wisdom for a purpose—to uphold righteousness—pointing ultimately to the perfect reign of Christ, the Greater Solomon. |
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