1 Kings 3:23 Study Bible: Then the king said, "The one says, 'This is my son who lives, and your son is the dead;' and the other says, 'No; but your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.'"

◄ 1 Kings 3:23 ►

Then the king replied, "This woman says, 'My son is alive and yours is dead,' but that woman says, 'No, your son is dead and mine is alive.'"

Study Bible

Then the king replied
This phrase introduces King Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom, a gift from God as described earlier in 1 Kings 3:5-14. Solomon's role as king is significant, as he is the son of David and Bathsheba, and his reign marks a period of peace and prosperity for Israel. His wisdom is a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build the temple and establish a lasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

“This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’
The context here is a dispute between two women, both claiming to be the mother of a living child. This reflects the social and legal challenges of the time, where the king often served as the highest judge in the land. The situation underscores the importance of justice and truth in leadership, themes prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The phrase also highlights the maternal instinct and the deep bond between a mother and her child, a recurring theme in biblical narratives.

but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’”
This part of the verse illustrates the conflict and the challenge of discerning truth in a situation with no witnesses or evidence. It sets the stage for Solomon's wise judgment, which would later become a testament to his God-given wisdom. The narrative foreshadows the wisdom of Christ, who often discerned the hearts and intentions of people (John 2:24-25). The story also emphasizes the value of life and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child, resonating with the biblical theme of sacrificial love.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. In this passage, he is the newly anointed king of Israel, demonstrating his God-given wisdom.

2. The Two Women
These are the two mothers who come before King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the living child. Their dispute sets the stage for Solomon's wise judgment.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel and the location of Solomon's court where this judgment takes place.

4. The Living Child
The infant who is the subject of the dispute between the two women, representing the truth that Solomon seeks to uncover.

5. The Dead Child
The deceased infant, whose tragic death is central to the conflict and the test of Solomon's wisdom.

Teaching Points

The Value of God-Given Wisdom
Solomon's ability to discern the truth in a complex situation underscores the importance of seeking wisdom from God. Believers are encouraged to pray for wisdom in their daily lives.

The Role of Justice in Leadership
Solomon's judgment highlights the necessity of justice and fairness in leadership. Leaders are called to seek truth and act justly, reflecting God's character.

The Power of Discernment
Discernment is crucial in navigating life's challenges. Like Solomon, Christians should seek to understand the deeper truths in situations, guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of Truth
The account emphasizes the significance of truth and integrity. Believers are reminded to uphold truth in their words and actions, trusting God to reveal and vindicate the truth.

Compassion in Conflict Resolution
Solomon's approach demonstrates compassion and understanding in resolving disputes. Christians are encouraged to approach conflicts with empathy and a desire for reconciliation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9 relate to his ability to judge the case of the two women?

2. In what ways can we apply Solomon's example of seeking divine wisdom in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the account of Solomon's judgment reflect the biblical principle of justice, and how can we practice justice in our communities?

4. What role does discernment play in our decision-making processes, and how can we cultivate it through our relationship with God?

5. How can we ensure that truth and integrity are central to our interactions with others, especially in situations of conflict or disagreement?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that wisdom comes from the Lord, connecting to Solomon's request for wisdom and his ability to discern the truth in this situation.

James 1:5
This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, reflecting Solomon's example of seeking divine wisdom to govern his people.

Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is described as living and active, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, similar to how Solomon discerns the true mother.

Sermons

The Prayer of Solomon and its Fulfilment	E. De Pressense	1 Kings 3:3-16; 4:2-34
Administration of Justice Difficult		1 Kings 3:16-28
Evil of Divisions	E. Thompson, D. D.	1 Kings 3:16-28
Judgment Obtained by Appeal to the Principle of Affection	E. Thompson, D. D.	1 Kings 3:16-28
The Mother	A. Mursell.	1 Kings 3:16-28
The True Mother	R. Young, M. A.	1 Kings 3:16-28

People

David, Gibeon, Pharaoh, Solomon

Places

Egypt, Gibeon, Jerusalem

Topics

Alive, Child, Dead, Nay, Says, Yours

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 3:16-27

5383 lawsuits
5834 disagreement

1 Kings 3:16-28

     5120   Solomon, character
     5652   babies
     8367   wisdom, importance of

Library

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
'In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with Thee; and Thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that Thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7. And now, O Lord my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king instead of David my father: and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
Objection 1: It would seem that the degrees of prophecy change as time goes on. For prophecy is directed to the knowledge of Divine things, as stated above [3690](A[2]). Now according to Gregory (Hom. in Ezech.), "knowledge of God went on increasing as time went on." Therefore degrees of prophecy should be distinguished according to the process of time. Objection 2: Further, prophetic revelation is conveyed by God speaking to man; while the prophets declared both in words and in writing the things …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Letter Lxxiv. To Rufinus of Rome.
Rufinus, a Roman Presbyter (to be carefully distinguished from Rufinus of Aquileia and Rufinus the Syrian), had written to Jerome for an explanation of the judgment of Solomon (1 Kings iii. 16-28). This Jerome gives at length, treating the narrative as a parable and making the false and true mothers types of the Synagogue and the Church. The date of the letter is 398 a.d. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived...
1. Love is the touchstone by which the reality of truth is perceived, and by it shall all men know that ye are My disciples (John xiii.35). I also make use of the sword of justice, so that at first sight some are inclined to think that, like Solomon, I intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings iii.16-28), but My object, like his, is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show that you are the children of that God of Love who gave His life to save yours. You ought …
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Song of Solomon.
An important link in the chain of the Messianic hopes is formed by the Song of Solomon. It is intimately associated with Ps. lxxii., which was written by Solomon, and represents the Messiah as the Prince of Peace, imperfectly prefigured by Solomon as His type. As in this Psalm, so also in the Song of Solomon, the coming of the Messiah forms the subject throughout, and He is introduced there under the name of Solomon, the Peaceful One. His coming shall be preceded by severe afflictions, represented …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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