Print this Lesson Solomon
1 Kings 3:1-28
My name is Solomon, and I am the son of the great King David. People say that I am a very wise man. I recently made a treaty with the Pharaoh, King of Egypt; I also married his daughter and brought her to the city of David while I build our house. I am also building a house for the Lord as well as a wall around the city of Jerusalem.

In my time people are offering sacrifices to God on altars. I am going to Gibeon to offer sacrifices at a great high place. I offered a thousand sacrifices.

God seems pleased with me. He comes to me in a dream and asks what I want. I said that he had been good to my father, David, because he was a good man. I asked God that, since he had made me King, he would please give me the wisdom to rule over his people. I told him that I was like a little child. I needed to know the difference between good and evil. I want to be a good ruler. God was pleased that I asked for wisdom.

God said that because I had not asked for riches or a long life, he would give me great wisdom and an understanding heart. He said that no one would ever be wiser. He also said that he would give me great riches and a long life even though I didn't ask. He told me to be good and to obey his commandments. I sacrificed before the Ark of the Covenant. I prayed for peace. Then I made a great feast for all my servants.

Today two women who live in the same house have come before me. They both have had babies. One woman said that the other woman's son had died during the night. She said that the woman took her baby and left her the dead one. The other woman said that was not so. I have no way of knowing who is telling truth. I told my servants to bring me a sword. When they did, I tell the women that I am going to cut the baby in half. That way they can both have a half. One woman said, "Yes, divide him." The other woman said, "Do not kill him. Give him to her." Then I see who the real mother is. The real mother would not want the child to die. I gave him to the real mother.

All of Israel heard of my judgment and feared me because they saw the wisdom of God was in me.

If you would like to read more about me, open your Bibles to 1 Kings.