The account of "The Two Women" is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Kings. This narrative is a significant demonstration of King Solomon's wisdom, a gift granted to him by God. The account is located in 1 Kings 3:16-28 and serves as an early testament to Solomon's ability to discern truth and administer justice.

Context and Setting

The account unfolds shortly after Solomon ascends to the throne of Israel. Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, had asked God for wisdom to govern the people of Israel effectively. God granted his request, and the incident with the two women is one of the first recorded instances of Solomon exercising this divine wisdom.

The Dispute

The narrative begins with two women, both identified as prostitutes, coming before King Solomon. They lived in the same house and each had given birth to a son around the same time. The conflict arose when one of the infants tragically died during the night. According to the account, one woman claimed that the other had accidentally smothered her own child and then switched the babies, placing the deceased child in her bed and taking the living child as her own.

1 Kings 3:22 states, "The other woman said, 'No, the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son.' But the first woman insisted, 'No, the dead one is yours, and the living one is mine.' So they argued before the king."

Solomon's Judgment

Faced with a situation where there were no witnesses and no clear evidence, Solomon proposed a shocking solution to reveal the truth. He called for a sword and suggested that the living child be divided in two, giving half to each woman. This proposal was not a genuine intention to harm the child but a strategic move to uncover the true mother.

1 Kings 3:26 records the reaction: "The woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. 'Please, my lord,' she said, 'give her the living baby. Do not kill him!' But the other woman said, 'He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!'"

Solomon's plan worked as intended. The true mother revealed herself through her willingness to give up her claim to save her child's life. Solomon then declared, "Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother" (1 Kings 3:27).

Significance

This account is often cited as a profound example of wisdom and justice. It highlights Solomon's ability to discern the truth through understanding human nature and emotions. The account also underscores the value of a mother's love and the lengths to which a true mother will go to protect her child.

The narrative of the two women and Solomon's judgment became widely known throughout Israel and beyond, establishing Solomon's reputation as a wise and discerning king. 1 Kings 3:28 concludes, "When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had rendered, they stood in awe of the king, because they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this account illustrates the divine wisdom granted to Solomon, which is a reflection of God's own wisdom and justice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in making difficult decisions and the belief that true justice is rooted in compassion and truth. The narrative also emphasizes the sanctity of life and the moral responsibility of leaders to protect and uphold justice for the vulnerable.