1 And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
2 Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.
3 And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
5 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 showed 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 I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10 And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
15 And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.
16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
17 And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.
18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
19 And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom.
21 And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear.
22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king.
23 Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living.
24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.
27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.
The book of 1 Kings is the eleventh book of the Old Testament and the third book of the historical books in the KJV Holy Bible. This book is believed to have been written by the prophet Jeremiah or a group of prophets during the reign of King Josiah. The book covers the history of Israel from the death of King David to the reign of King Jehoshaphat. Chapter 3 of 1 Kings focuses on the early years of King Solomon's reign and his encounter with God at Gibeon. This chapter is filled with important themes and lessons that are still relevant to believers today.
Chapter 3 of 1 Kings begins with the description of King Solomon's marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh, which was a common practice in ancient times to form political alliances. This marriage was also a fulfillment of the prophecy given to King David by Nathan the prophet in 2 Samuel 7:12-13. Following the marriage, King Solomon went to Gibeon, which was the most important high place in Israel at that time and the only place where sacrifices were offered. It was there that Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord, demonstrating his devotion to God and his desire to seek his guidance.
While Solomon was at Gibeon, God appeared to him in a dream and asked him what he desired. This was a significant moment in Solomon's life as it was an opportunity for him to ask for anything he desired. Instead of asking for wealth, power, or fame, Solomon humbly asked God for wisdom and understanding to govern his people and to discern between good and evil. This request pleased God, and he promised to give Solomon not only wisdom but also riches, honor, and long life.
Solomon's request for wisdom is a demonstration of his humility and his understanding of the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership. This request also reveals Solomon's heart for his people and his desire to govern them with wisdom and integrity. In Proverbs 1:7, Solomon writes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This verse reflects the wisdom that God granted to Solomon and the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life.
After Solomon's encounter with God, he returned to Jerusalem, where he demonstrated his wisdom by judging a dispute between two women who claimed to be the mother of a child. This story, known as the Judgment of Solomon, has become a famous example of Solomon's wisdom and has been referenced in literature and art throughout history. In this story, Solomon's wisdom is displayed as he uses a clever tactic to determine the true mother of the child and delivers a just judgment.
There are several themes that can be found in chapter 3 of 1 Kings. These themes include wisdom, humility, and seeking God's guidance. The most prominent theme in this chapter is wisdom, which is demonstrated through Solomon's request for wisdom and his wise judgment in the story of the two women. This theme is also reflected in Proverbs, which is believed to have been written by Solomon.
Another important theme in this chapter is humility. Solomon's humility is displayed through his request for wisdom instead of wealth or power. This humility is also seen in his willingness to seek God's guidance in his leadership. In James 4:10, it is written, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." This verse echoes the importance of humility in the eyes of God.
The theme of seeking God's guidance is also evident in this chapter. Solomon's encounter with God at Gibeon is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life. In Proverbs 3:5-6, Solomon writes, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." This verse emphasizes the need to trust in God and seek his guidance in all decisions.
Chapter 3 of 1 Kings holds several important lessons for believers today. The story of Solomon's request for wisdom reminds us of the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in our lives. It also reminds us to prioritize wisdom over material possessions and to have a heart for others, just as Solomon had a heart for his people.
Solomon's encounter with God at Gibeon teaches us the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance through prayer and devotion. It also reminds us that God is willing to grant us wisdom and understanding when we humbly ask for it.
The story of the Judgment of Solomon also holds important lessons for believers. It teaches us the importance of using wisdom and discernment in our decision-making and to seek justice and righteousness in all situations.
Overall, chapter 3 of 1 Kings serves as a reminder of the importance of wisdom, humility, and seeking God's guidance in our lives. It also serves as an example of the blessings that come from seeking God's will above our own desires. As believers, we can learn from Solomon's example and strive to apply these lessons in our own lives.
Chapter 3 of 1 Kings is a significant chapter in the KJV Holy Bible as it offers important lessons and themes that are still relevant to believers today. The story of Solomon's encounter with God and his request for wisdom serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life. It also teaches us the value of wisdom, humility, and having a heart for others. As we reflect on the meaning of this chapter, may we be inspired to seek God's wisdom and guidance in our own lives and strive to live with humility and righteousness, just as King Solomon did.
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