Solomon's Wisdom: A King's Judgment
King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, displays unparalleled judgment in resolving disputes among his people.
Solomon's Wisdom: A King's Judgment
1 Kings (3 Kings)
3:9-28
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 honour: 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.
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NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : Solomon's Wisdom: A King's Judgment
- Macro closeup of a finely carved wooden throne, intricately detailing Solomon's wisdom through symbolic carvings of olive branches (representing peace), lions (representing strength and justice), and scales (representing balance and fairness). The wood is dark and polished, reflecting candlelight.
- Macro closeup of Solomon's signet ring, showing intricate details of a stylized lion and the Hebrew letters representing his name. The ring is made of gold, slightly tarnished with age, and reflects a soft, warm light.
- Bright morning sunlight illuminates a lush olive grove, the olive trees laden with fruit, symbolizing abundance and prosperity under Solomon's wise rule. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The scene evokes the peace and prosperity associated with his reign.
- Sunrise paints the sky in vibrant oranges and yellows over a field of wheat, ripe for harvest. The abundance symbolizes the blessings brought about by Solomon's just and wise leadership, reflecting the prosperity of the kingdom. Workers are visible in the distance harvesting the wheat.
- The setting sun casts long shadows across a vineyard, the grapes hanging heavy and ripe on the vines. The rich colors of the evening represent the wealth and prosperity enjoyed during Solomon's reign, mirroring the blessings of his wise decisions. The scene emphasizes abundance and contentment.
- An evening scene in Jerusalem, showcasing the city walls silhouetted against a twilight sky, the golden glow of the sunset reflecting on the stones. The scene represents the strength and security of the kingdom during Solomon's rule, while the soft lighting creates a sense of peace and stability.
- Solomon, dressed in regal robes, sits on his throne in the early morning light. Several people kneel before him, seeking his judgment in a dispute over a child, representing his wisdom and justice. The sun illuminates his face, highlighting his expression of thoughtful consideration.
- A group of people stand before Solomon's palace at dawn, awaiting the king's judgment. The architecture of the palace reflects the splendor and wealth of Solomon's reign, while the people's expectant posture shows their faith in his wisdom.
- Night scene in the royal court, candlelight illuminates Solomon deeply engaged in studying scrolls filled with legal texts and religious wisdom. The scene is peaceful and scholarly, representing his commitment to learning and justice. The candles cast flickering shadows, emphasizing the weight of his decisions.
- Night scene showing a bustling marketplace at night, under a moonlit sky. Despite the darkness, trade continues, reflecting the prosperity and security brought about by Solomon's wise governance and well-organized kingdom. The scene shows people peacefully interacting.
- A detailed depiction of a queen's visit to Solomon, focusing on the intricate details of her jewelry and clothing. The imagery focuses on the richness of the kingdom and the respect Solomon commanded, indirectly symbolizing his wisdom and power through the lavish surroundings.
- A depiction of the construction of the temple, showing the meticulous work of skilled artisans. The image should focus on the precision and planning involved, emphasizing Solomon's wisdom in overseeing such a massive and complex project. The image conveys the scale and grandeur through detailed craftsmanship.
General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Solomon's Wisdom; The Judgment of Solomon
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Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book
God's Covenant with Solomon
Adonijah's Usurpation: A King's Ambitions
Ahab's Wars and Death: A King's Downfall
Construction of Solomon's Temple
David's Farewell Instructions to Solomon
Dedication of the Temple - Solomon's Splendor
Division of the Kingdom: Solomon's Folly
Elijah's Flight and Encounter with God
Elijah's Drought: A Land Parched
Elijah's Contest on Mount Carmel: A Showdown with Baal
God's Covenant with Solomon
Kings of Judah and Israel: Solomon's Wisdom
Preparations for Solomon's Temple: Gathering the Materials
Prophecies against Jeroboam and Rehoboam
The Rise of King Ahab: A Kingdom Divided
Solomon's Downfall: From Wisdom to Idolatry
Solomon's Officials and Prosperity
Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings: A Splendor of Gold and Ivory
Solomon's Wisdom: A King's Judgment
The Queen of Sheba's Visit to King Solomon
Jeroboam and the Man of God: A Confrontation of Faith and Power
Related Pages: thematic Bible Images (French Version)