1 Reis 3
F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Reis 3
Meyer - there were hopeful features in Solomon’s love for God, and the devotion and obedience by which it was proved. It remained, however, to be seen, which of these influences was to triumph in the outworking of his character. That is always the most urgent, question in life. With too many the early dew and morning cloud pass away, leaving no trace, Hosea 6:4. Solomon loved (aheb/ahab) the LORD (Jehovah/Yahweh), walking (metaphor for conduct, lifestyle) in the statutes of his father David - This is a great passage as it parallels Jesus' words to His disciples in John 14:15+ “If you love Me, you will keep (tereo - guard, observe, preserve) My commandments." Love of God is reflected not just by our lips but by our life and how we conduct ourselves. Love of God is best shown by obedience to God. As Samuel told Saul "To obey is better than sacrifice." What a difference a few years make for 1 Kings 11:1+ sadly begins with similar words "Solomon loved" but by then his love for Jehovah had been replaced by love for many foreign women including the daughter of Pharaoh mentioned in 1Ki 3:1! As Jesus made crystal clear "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." (Mt 6:24+) Solomon is the only man in the entire Bible who is said to have “loved the Lord,” in so many words Philip Ryken - The Bible describes him as a man after David’s own heart: “Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father” (1 Kings 3:3). This is virtually the highest praise that any person could ever receive. In fact, Solomon is the only man in the entire Bible who is said to have “loved the Lord,” in so many words. (See King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power - Page 44) Except - This has to be one of the saddest "exception clauses" in the Bible. Solomon’s failed to completely follow the Lord as exhibited in his continual worship at the high places, a point of departure which would eventually lead to the division of his Kingdom (1Ki 11:7+). Partial obedience is Complete disobedience! He sacrificed and burned incense on the high places (bamah) - Once there was a central temple for worship of Jehovah, the high place like Gibeon which was temporarily allowed, were to be banned and even destroyed (Lev. 17:3-5; Dt. 12:14 2Ki 23:8). And as best I can determine there is no clear provision given that allows multiple high places (noting that high places is plural here and in v2). This suggests to me that Solomon's worship at "high places" was not "kosher," for after all he could have worshiped at either Gibeon or Jerusalem (where the Ark was in a tent). And so as Solomon's story unfolds, the high place became a snare, a trap that eventually led the wisest man who ever lived (other than Jesus) into idol worship! THOUGHT - What are the "high places" in your life that you have refused to destroy because you like the wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon, have made them an "exception clause" and you have underestimated the deceptive power of sin (Heb 3:13+). Be assured that God reads the "fine print" and He desires that we be wholly holy as He is holy. Remember that... SIN... Will take you farther than you ever meant to stray Keep you longer than you ever meant to stay & Cost you more than you ever thought you'd have to pay! Loved (0157) aheb/ahab means to love and can convey the idea of liking things (like bribes - Isa 1:23, wisdom - Pr 4:6, wine - Pr 21:17, peace and truth - Zech 8:19, food - Ge 27:4, 9, 14). The most important uses in the OT are as an expression of God's love of people (Dt 4:37, Hosea 3:1), man's love for God (Ex 20:6, Ps 116:1) and man's love for his fellow man (Ge 29:32, Ru 4:15-note, 1 Kings 11:1 = a forbidden love by backslidden King Solomon!!!) The first use of aheb in the OT is instructive as it is found in Ge 22:2 where Yahweh instructed his servant Abraham to "“Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” Notice that at the outset, we see that an inherent quality of this love (in many contexts) is that it is costly. God wants us to love Him above EVERYTHING, even our own flesh and blood. Matthews writes that Ge 22:2 "is the final test of the man’s faith, the closing bookend to his discovery of God’s sufficiency to achieve the promises made at Haran." (New American Commentary) As an aside God frequently "tests" His people to reveal their trust and obedience (cp Ex 15:25, 16:4, Judges 2:22+ - in this last one they failed repeatedly). In Ge 25:28 there is a hint that Isaac's love was at least somewhat conditioned on the fact that Esau provided game for him to eat (cp Ge 27:4, 9, 14 of Isaac's love for the savory dish). In addition, Isaac's love for Esau is contrasted with Rebekah's love for Jacob (not to say of course that Isaac did not love Jacob but that he seemed to have a greater degree for Esau because he was as they say "a man's man!" Compare Jacob's greater love for Rachel than Leah - Ge 29:30, Jacob's greater love for Joseph - Ge 37:3,4) In Ex 21:5 we see one of the great examples of man to man love where a slave willingly stays with his master because he loves him -- now that is surely sacrificial love! In Dt 4:37 we see the first use of aheb to describe God's unconditional love for His chosen people Israel -- He loved them then, He continued to love them in their unfaithfulness (because that is the nature of true love) and He will bring them "from Egypt" (so to speak) at the end of this age when Messiah returns and all the believing remnant are saved (Ro 11:25-27+)! In short, God's love transcends time and endures throughout eternity for His chosen people and for every Gentile that has been grafted into "the rich root of the olive tree," (Ro 11:17+). In the Shema Israel is instructed ""You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Dt 6:5) AHEB/AHAB IN KINGS AND CHRONICLES - 1 Ki. 3:3; 1 Ki. 5:1 = "FRIEND"; 1 Ki. 10:9 = "the LORD loved Israel forever"; 1Ki. 11:1; 1Ki. 11:2 = "Solomon held fast (dabaq - "stuck like glue") to these in love"; 2Chr. 2:11; 2Chr. 9:8; 2Chr. 11:21; 2Chr. 19:2; 2Chr. 20:7; 2Chr. 26:10 QUESTION - How did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom? ANSWER - In 1 Kings 3:3, Solomon is described in the following positive terms: “Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father.” One night, the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask what I shall give you” (1Ki 3:5). In response, Solomon answered, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1Ki 3:9). The passage notes, “It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this” (1 Kings 3:10). God delights to give wisdom to those who truly seek it (Proverbs 2:6–8; James 1:5). God responds to Solomon’s request for wisdom by promising three different gifts. The first is the wisdom Solomon had asked for: “I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you” (verse 12). First Kings 4:29-34 records the details of Solomon’s wisdom: “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.” The second gift God gave Solomon was wealth and fame: “I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days” (1 Kings 3:13). Solomon would become known as the wealthiest king of his era. The third gift God gave him was conditional—a long life based on Solomon’s obedience: “And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:14). After God made these promises, “Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream” (verse 15). The first two gifts were unconditional. Solomon was known as a man of great wisdom (1 Kings 3:28) and as a king of great wealth and influence. But was Solomon known as an obedient king who experienced a long life? By the grace of God, Solomon reigned for 40 years (1 Kings 11:42), a long period for one king to reign. However, Solomon’s obedience was mixed. He had many wives, including foreigners who influenced him to sacrifice to their gods. His great wealth also contributed to unwise excesses. Solomon began well, as his humble request for wisdom shows, but he later disobeyed God. Solomon was spared more severe punishment for the sake of his father, David (1 Kings 11:11–12). 1 Kings 3:4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. Gibeon: 1Ki 9:2 Jos 9:3 Jos 10:2 1Ch 16:39-40 1Ch 21:29 2Ch 1:3,7-12 a thousand: 1Ki 8:63 2Ch 1:6 7:5 29:32-35 30:24 Isa 40:16 Mic 6:6,7 Related Passages: 1 Chronicles 16:39-40 He left Zadok the priest and his relatives the priests before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place which was at Gibeon, 40 to offer burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which He commanded Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:29 For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were in the high place at Gibeon at that time. 2 Chronicles 1:3+ Then Solomon and all the assembly with him went to the high place which was at Gibeon, for God’s tent of meeting was there, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness. 1 Kings 11:7-8+ Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable idol of Moab, on the mountain which is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the detestable idol of the sons of Ammon. 8 Thus also he did for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. Site of Gibeon (Jerusalem not shown but Bethlehem is Adjacent) The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar - Solomon demonstrates his love for Jehovah by going 4 miles NW to worship. Notice the phrase went down, which might surprise you because he was going to go up to the high place. The point is that whenever one leaves Jerusalem (which is elevated) it is described as going down and vice versa if one goes to Jerusalem, they are going up. As noted in the passage below, the bronze altar and the Tabernacle were still in Gibeon after having been moved from Nob, probably after Saul's slaughter of the priests of Nob (1Sa 22:18, 19 2Ch 1:3).The Ark of the Covenant, however, had been taken to Jerusalem (2Sa 6:12-17). Related Resources: BURNT OFFERINGS. Paul House writes of Solomon's worship at the great high place "For now this practice is excusable, but Solomon’s long-term commitment to the high places is contrary to God’s law and David’s example." (Borrow NAC - 1,2 Kings page 108) The Tabernacle (Note Ark of Covenant Actually in Jerusalem at this time) Bronze Altar of Burnt Offering 2 Chronicle 1:5-6+ adds some detail describing the great high place... Now the bronze altar (depicted above), which Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur (Ex 31-1-5+), had made (Ex 27:1-8+), was there before the tabernacle of the LORD (depicted above - but Ark was not there but in Jerusalem), and Solomon and the assembly sought it out. Solomon went up (THIS SUPPORTS THE PREMISE IT WAS ACTUALLY A "HIGH PLACE") there before the LORD to the bronze altar which was at the tent of meeting (TABERNACLE), and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. Bob
1 Reis 3
Meyer - Our Daily Homily - The understanding heart was Solomon’s supreme request, and it was given him before the morning light had broken over Jerusalem. But God did exceeding abundantly beyond what he asked or thought. Riches and honor, victory and long life, were thrown in as part of the Divine gift; as paper and string are given by the tradesmen with the goods we purchase. It seems as though our Lord’s words were anticipated, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Put first things first.— One of the most important lessons of life is to discern the relative value of the objects within our reach. The child will take the handful of glass beads, and leave the heap of diamonds in the rough. It is the terrible mistake of men that, perplexed by earth’s cross-lights, they put evil for good and good for evil; they make earth rather than heaven their center; time rather than eternity their measurement. Seek God and all things in Him.— Things without God cannot satisfy the craving of the soul. To know God, and to be known by Him, is to possess all things. All that is lovely, strong, or right, in any human being was in the Creator before it entered the creature; having God, you possess all things in Him. Be more careful of what you are than what you have.— A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of things that he possesseth; but in his purity, truth, tenderness, and the properties of his soul. The fruit of the Spirit must ever be manifest in the life of the believer— “Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” 1 Kings 3:14 "If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days." if : 1Ki 2:3-4 1Ch 22:12,13 1Ch 28:9 2Ch 7:17-19 Ps 132:12 Zec 3:7 as: 1Ki 3:3 9:4,5 15:5 2Ch 17:3,4 29:2 34:2 Ac 13:22 I will prolong: Dt 5:16 Dt 25:15 Ps 21:4 Pr 91:16 Pr 3:2,16 1Ti 4:8 Related Passages: Deuteronomy 5:16 ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you. Deuteronomy 25:15 “You shall have a full and just weight; you shall have a full and just measure, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you. Proverbs 3:16 Long life is in her (WISDOM'S) right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. A CONDITIONAL PROMISE OF PROLONGED LIFE If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments - IF makes God's promise conditional. This condition of walking wisely echoes David's charge to Solomon to "Keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ (1Ki 2:3-4+ cf 1Ch 22:11-13, cp similar idea of "conditional" statements in 1Ki 6:11–13; 1Ki 9:3–9+; failure to keep the conditions =>1Ki 11:11–13+) THOUGHT - It is one thing to be the wisest man, but it quite another to walk wisely. Paul warned the saints at Ephesus "be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise." (Eph 5:15+) The saints at Ephesus failed to walk wisely as indicated by Jesus' words about 40 years later declaring "I have this against you, that you have left your first love." (Rev 2:4+) In a similar way, Solomon's wisdom failed to guide his life choices and his wisdom failed to translate into wise living over the next 40 years of his life! He was taken away from this life 10 years earlier than his father David! O beloved, can I ask you a question? Are you toying with any sin? Are you holding on to any root of bitterness and/or unforgiveness? etc, etc. If you answered "Yes," then I think the lesson from Solomon's life is to immediately lay it aside, throw it off, confess it, repent of it and begin your wise walk today! There will never be a better day to begin! As your father David walked (conducted his life) - Was David a sinner? Did David disobey God? Those questions are rhetorical. God however gives His own testimony of David declaring "I HAVE FOUND DAVID the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MY HEART, who will do all My will." (Acts 13:22+) Clearly this speaks not of David's perfection but of the direction of his life, his willingness to confess and to repent. In Psalm 32:5 David wrote "I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah." (cf Ps 51:1-19+) Then I will prolong your days - God promises that an obedient life will yield a long life. Solomon as about 20 yo when he became king and only lived to age 60 compared to David's lifespan of 70 yo. Note that this was a personal promise to Solomon and was independent of God's immutable Covenant with David, for Solomon could be replaced by another "son of David" should he disobey (which he did do). What Did God Promise? If you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, . . . then I will lengthen your days. —1 Kings 3:14 Today's Scripture : 1 Kings 3:1-15 A young man was rebelling against his parents. When he lost his job and his girlfriend, he complained that God was being unfair. He didn’t think the Lord was being very loving or was giving him the help He promised in the Bible. What he didn’t realize was that Jesus promised a sense of His love and presence only to those who keep His commandments (Jn. 14:21-24; 15:9-14). We read in 1 Kings 3 that God was pleased when Solomon valued “an understanding heart” over wealth, honor, and long life (vv.9-11). So He promised the king those blessings in addition to the wisdom he requested (1Ki 3:12-14). But Solomon, who was 20 when he became king, died at the relatively young age of 60 (1 Ki 11:42). What happened to the promise of long life? Remember, a condition was connected to it: “If you walk in My ways” (3:14). Because Solomon “did not fully follow the Lord” (1Ki 11:6), God did not give him long life. Hold on to God’s promises, but don’t twist them. 1 Kings 3:15 Then 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 burnt offerings and made peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. awoke: Ge 41:7 Jer 31:26 before: 2Sa 6:17 1Ch 16:1-2 peace offerings: 1Ki 8:63,65 Lev 3:1-17 7:11-19 2Sa 6:18,19 2Ch 7:5,7-10 30:22-26 a feast: Ge 31:54 40:20 Es 1:3 Da 5:1 Mk 6:21 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 6:17+ So they brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 1 Chronicles 16:1-2+ And they brought in the ark of God and placed it inside the tent which David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. 2 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. Ark of the Covenant Then Solomon awoke, and behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou), it was a dream - But it was a dream that he would remember, unlike most dreams we have and quickly forget when we awake. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord - Note that while the Tent (tabernacle) was at the high place in Gibeon, the Ark of the Covenant was in Jerusalem for David had it brought and placed in a tent he had pitched for it. (2Sa 6:17+; 1Chr 16:1-2+) After his special visitation from God, and with God given wisdom, Solomon may have concluded it was more appropriate to present his offerings at the place where the temple would soon be built. and offered burnt offerings and made peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. Iain Provan comments on Solomon now sacrificing before the Ark - Does Solomon now realize where he should have been worshiping all along (before the ark, rather than at the high place)? If so, the first effect of his newly received wisdom is to help him to distinguish in himself between right and wrong (1Ki 3:9). (See 1 & 2 Kings Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) Related Resources: BURNT OFFERINGS. PEACE OFFERING. Summary of the journey of the Ark of the Covenant once it was in the Promised Land: Joshua brought both the ark and the tabernacle to Shiloh (Joshua 18:1) In days of Eli the ark captured by Philistines and tabernacle sacked (1Sa 4:11, Ps 78:60-64, Jer 7:12, 26:9) The ark came back to Kiriath-Jearim (1Sa 7:1-2) Saul restored the tabernacle at Nob (1Sa 21) Saul moved the tabernacle to Gibeon (1Chr 16:39-40) David brought the ark to Jerusalem and built a temporary tent for it (2Sa 6:17, 2Chr 1:4) 1 Kings 3:16 Then two women who were harlots came to the king and stood before him. two women: Lev 19:29 De 23:17 Jos 2:1 Related Passage: Proverbs 16:10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king; His mouth should not err in judgment. THE FIRST TEST OF SOLOMON'S DISCERNMENT Then - Note this time phrase marks progression of events. Solomon apparently almost immediately exercises the gift God had given him in the dream to discern good from evil and understand justice (1Ki 3:11, 28). After all, as the King, Solomon is the highest court of appeal and provides the foundation for dispensing justice. Recall that Dt 19:15 specified one must have at least 2 witnesses and here we encounter two women who in effect are witnesses against the other woman. two women who were harlots (zanah; Lxx = porne - prostitute) came to the king and stood before him - Solomon receives the case of two women who would be lowly regarded in society. This shows Solomon's recognition of the worth of individuals. In most judicial matters one relies on testimony of witnesses, but in this case there are apparently none. These two women would test Solomon's divine gift of discernment. It is interesting that Solomon spoke several times of harlots in his proverbs... Proverbs 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Harlots (02181) zanah is a verb meaning to fornicate, to prostitute and refers to marital infidelity or unfaithfulness. It was word used elsewhere in the OT to describe prostitution (Lev 21:7, Pr 7:10). Many of the uses of zanah are figurative describing Israel 's (Jehovah's "wife") commission of "spiritual prostitution" by having "intercourse" so to speak with other gods (cp 1 Co 6:16). Indeed, idolatry is looked upon as prostitution (Isa 50:1-3; 54:6, 7, 8; Jer 2:1-3; 3:1ff; Hos 2:1ff; Jas 4:4+; Rev 2:4+). In addition zanah describes Israel’s improper relationships with other nations (Isa. 23:17; Ezek. 23:30; Nah. 3:4). "The thought seems to be of having relations with these nations for the sake of political and monetary benefit, although in the case of Nineveh the added element of alluring, deceitful tactics leading on to oppressive dominance is implied. A third figurative meaning is found in Isa 1:21, where the Israelites’ departure from God’s approved moral standards is called harlotry." (link to TWOT online) CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REMAINDER OF THIS LENGTHY DEFINITION William Smith - Hope was enough. When God uses prostitutes to illustrate Israel’s unfaithfulness to him, he’s showing you yourself. One of your primary identities is “unfaithful.” Sexual immorality as a metaphor is not confined to the Old Testament. James also uses the image to illustrate the heart of our spiritual problems when he calls believers spiritual adulterers. Like paid professionals, we too are repeatedly and intentionally faithless, bearing the consequences in destroyed relationships, both human and divine. Do you see yourself creating many of your deepest problems while at the same time eliminating any hope for their resolution? Do you realize that, before God, you don’t deserve help? It’s miserable to realize that the train wrecks of your life are mostly of your own making. And yet, the woman in Solomon’s court did something different. She hoped. She believed. She had faith. And that faith changed her life. She had the courage to believe that she could be heard and helped despite who she was and what she had done. She had the heart to believe that she would be received, and she was right. Her hope was not disappointed. Hope was the only thing she had going for her and, mercifully, hope was enough. 1 Kings 3:17 The one woman said, "Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house; and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. O my lord: Ge 43:20 Ro 13:7 The one woman said, "Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house; and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. Iain Provan writes that "Solomon has already entered an improper relationship with a foreign nation (1Ki 3:1) and will enter several more (1Ki 11:1–2). This in due course leads to idolatrous worship (1Ki 11:7–8). For the moment, however, he is on honeymoon with his new wife, Wisdom, and remains faithful to her. He will thus have no difficulty in seeing through the words spoken to him by the two women who stand before him. He will be able to “discern” (Heb. byn, 1Ki 3:9, 11–12) in the midst of their testimony what is actually true. (See 1 & 2 Kings Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) Impurity leads to deceit. The sin against the body makes other sins easier to commit. Lies lead to more lies. (Rod Mattoon Treasures from 1 Kings) 1 Kings 3:18 "It happened on the third day after I gave birth, that this woman also gave birth to a child, and we were together. There was no stranger with us in the house, only the two of us in the house. It happened on the third day after I gave birth, that this woman also gave birth to a child, and we were together. There was no stranger with us in the house, only the two of us in the house 1 Kings 3:19 "This woman's son died in the night, because she lay on it. This woman's son died in the night, because she lay on it. 1 Kings 3:20 "So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead son in my bosom. middle of the night: Job 24:13-17 Ps 139:11 Mt 13:25 Joh 3:20 took: 1Ki 3:21 So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead son in my bosom 1 Kings 3:21 "When I rose in the morning to nurse my son, behold, he was dead; but when I looked at him carefully in the morning, behold, he was not my son, whom I had borne." give: Ge 21:7 1Sa 1:23 La 4:3,4 When I rose in the morning to nurse my son, behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou), he was dead; but when I looked at him carefully in the morning, behold, he was not my son, whom I had borne 1 Kings 3:22 Then the other woman said, "No! For the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son." But the first woman said, "No! For the dead one is your son, and the living one is my son." Thus they spoke before the king. No! 1Ki 3:23,24 Then the other woman said, "No! For the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son." But the first woman said, "No! For the dead one is your son, and the living one is my son." Thus they spoke before the king 1 Kings 3:23 Then the king said, "The one says, 'This is my son who is living, and your son is the dead one'; and the other says, 'No! For your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.'" SOLOMON'S DILEMMA Then the king said, "The one says, 'This is my son who is living, and your son is the dead one'; and the other says, 'No! For your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.'" - Their testimonies clearly conflict and in the face of no witnesses (and no availability of paternity testing which we have today), King Solomon is faced with a dilemma. 1 Kings 3:24 The king said, "Get me a sword." So they brought a sword before the king. Alexander Cutting the Gordonian Knot WISDOM FOR CUTTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER The king said, "Get me a sword." So they brought a sword before the king - Imagine for a moment the thought going through the minds of all present, especially the two women. "Is the king going to kill us both?", etc. The Legend of the Gordian Knot -- The Gordian Knot was a highly intricate knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia (an ancient region in what is now Turkey). It was said to bind the yoke to the pole of a chariot. An oracle declared that whoever could untie the knot would become the ruler of all Asia. In 333 BCE, Alexander the Great encountered the knot during his conquest of Asia. Instead of attempting to untie it conventionally, he famously "solved" the problem by cutting through it with his sword, demonstrating boldness and thinking outside the box. Symbolic Meaning is that of a Difficult or Intractable Problem. Thus the Gordian Knot represents a problem that is so complicated or entangled that it seems impossible to solve.The phrase "cutting the Gordian Knot" has come to mean solving a difficult problem through bold, creative, or unconventional means, rather than traditional or laborious methods. Rod Mattoon - Solomon's solution to the problem was to take a sword and cut the baby in half. As Sherlock Holmes would say, "It's elementary Watson." The true mother, even though a harlot, loved her baby unlike 11/2 to 2 million women each year in the USA who abort their babies. The true mother demonstrates elements of genuine love. Love is not selfish. It sacrifices self for the object loved. The true mother would rather see her baby live and do without her than see her baby die. The lying harlots attitude was, "If I can't have it, nobody can." It's ironic that the lying woman did not love or care about this child. So why does she desire it? Why rear the child of another? Why take on an unwanted expense? What is her motivation? • Fear of reproach and being mocked as a murderer? • Envy and jealousy of her roommate? Jealousy leaves a person empty and dissatisfied, never content. Jealousy caters to self, not others. Jealousy and envy count another person's blessings instead of one's own blessings. Jealousy resents the fact that others have what you don't have. This is what the lying harlot did. She resents the other woman and looks at her as a rival. (Treasures from 1 Kings) 1 Kings 3:25 The king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other." Divide: Pr 25:8 Related Passages: Proverbs 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes. Proverbs 20:26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them. Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. SOLOMON DISCERNS DIVISION DECISION The king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other. Apparently Solomon gives the command to the sword bearer to carry out the division. Solomon appealed to the instincts of a mother’s love. Solomon was preparing to cut the Gordian knot! Iain Provan on Solomon wise use of a sword - His old “wisdom” had led to the use of the sword for executions whose justice is questionable (1 Kings 2). His new wisdom leads him in more constructive paths. He still uses the sword, but in a more positive way, threatening execution only to achieve justice. The sword is functioning in the service, not of the ruthless self, but of the kingdom as a whole. Solomon’s sword has become what it is elsewhere in the hands of God (e.g., Ps. 17:13): the instrument of right judgment, of kingly “truth, humility and righteousness” (Ps. 45:2–4). (See 1 & 2 Kings Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - This was apparently a very strange decision; but Solomon saw that the only way to discover the real mother was by the affection and tenderness should would necessarily shew to her offspring. The plan was tried, and succeeded; and it was a proof of his sound judgment, penetration, and acquaintance with the human heart, or rather, of his extraordinary and supernatural wisdom. See ver. 28. The two following instances are in some faint manner to be compared to Solomon's decision, inasmuch as they also work upon the human sympathies. Suetonius, in his Life of the emperor Claudian, tells us, that this emperor discovered a woman to be the real mother of a young man, whom she refused to acknowledge, by commanding her to marry him, the proofs being doubtful on both sides; for, rather than commit incest, she confessed the truth. Diodorus Siculus also informs us, that Ariopharnes, king of Thrace, being appointed to decided between three young men, each of whom professed to be the son of the deceased king of the Cimmerians, and claimed the succession, discovered the real son by ordering each to shoot an arrow into the dead body of the king: two of them did this without hesitation; but the real son of the deceased monarch refused. Rod Mattoon - "What brought the truth out into the open?" The answer is the sword. The sword brought out the best in one woman and the worst in the other. It revealed what was in each woman's heart. The Bible does this too. Hebrews 4:12+—For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Bible preaching will bring out the best and the worst in people. It reveals what is in their hearts. Some choke on the Word in church and don't stay because the pot gets too hot! Others stay and thrive spiritually. The Word of God changes lives. It is truth. (Treasures from 1 Kings) 1 Kings 3:26 Then the woman whose child was the living one spoke to the king, for she was deeply stirred over her son and said, "Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him." But the other said, "He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him!" she was deeply stirred: Ge 43:30 Isa 49:15 Jer 31:20 Ho 11:8 Php 1:8 2:1 1Jn 3:17 Ps 39:3 give her: Ro 1:31 2Ti 3:3 Then the woman whose child was the living one spoke to the king, for she was deeply stirred over her son The proposal to divide the child revealed the true mother's heart for she would rather lose her child to the other woman than that the child should die. KJV is more literal with "for her bowels yearned." The Hebrew word for "bowels" is rehem which refers to deep love (usually of a "superior" for an "inferior") rooted in some "natural" bond and figuratively speaks of "tender love," such as a mother has for the child she has borne. The Hebrew word for stirred or yearned (kamar) means to grow warm and tender, to become hot, to become emotionally agitated. The idea is to be aroused, to be deeply moved. It indicates something being agitated or moved with respect to something else. and said, "Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him." Solomon's wisdom appealed to the great instincts of a mother's heart. But (term of contrast) the other said, "He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him!" For this woman Solomon's wisdom appealed to the baser, selfish instincts of this woman's sinful heart! Bishop Hall wrote "Truth demands entireness; falsehood is satisfied with less. Satan, that hath no right to the heart, would be content with a piece of it; God, that made it all, will have either the whole or none." 1 Kings 3:27 Then the king said, "Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother." Then the king said, "Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother. 1 Kings 3:28 When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. AMP When all [the people of] Israel heard about the judgment which the king had made, they [were in awe and reverently] feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was within him to administer justice. feared: Ex 14:31 Jos 4:14 1Sa 12:18 1Ch 29:24 Pr 24:21 the wisdom: 1Ki 3:9-12 Ezr 7:25 Ec 7:19 Da 2:21,47 5:11 1Co 1:24,30 Col 2:3 to administer justice: Ps 72:2,4 CONVINCING PROOF OF SOLOMON'S GIFT OF WISDOM When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice The incident gave convincing proof of the gift of wisdom. Wisdom is a most esteemed endowment of a king, for they are often called upon to arbitrate in cases that defy the processes of law and precedent. THOUGHT - Does my life and do my decisions serve as a testimony to my family and friends of God’s presence and power? Wisdom of God - This exact phrase occurs 5 times in the Bible - 1 Ki. 3:28; Lk. 11:49; 1 Co. 1:21; 1 Co. 1:24; Eph. 3:10 We can get INFORMATION "on LINE" (from Google) but WISDOM is from "on HIGH" (from God)! Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him. (What is wisdom?) The Weight of Wisdom He bore the gift of heaven’s light, A wisdom pure, divinely bright. The world would marvel, nations bow, To hear the truth his lips endow. Yet wisdom’s crown is hard to bear, Its path demands a life of care. For though his mind was richly fed, His feet would tread where folly led. The songs of fame, the lure of gold, Enticed his heart, his steps grew cold. The wisdom whispered, "Walk this way," But pleasure’s voice led him astray. The heart and mind, a fragile pair, One seeks the heights, one lingers there. And though the heights his soul could see, His footsteps failed to keep the plea. Oh, Solomon, a king renowned, Whose wisdom soared, but whose life unwound. Let us take heed, this lesson plain: Wisdom misused is wisdom in vain. So may our steps and wisdom meet, To walk the path with steady feet. For what we know must guide our way, Lest wisdom’s light should fade to gray. Wisdom (02451) chokmah from the verb chakam - to be wise) is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. Wisdom is the ability to see something from God’s viewpoint. Wisdom is “God’s character in the many practical affairs of life.” Louis Goldberg - TWOT - The verb is used twenty-six times and most of the passages appear in the Qal stem meaning "be wise," etc. In the Piel stem the meaning is "making wise" or "teaching." Of all the words denoting intelligence, the most frequently used are this verb and its derivatives, which occur some 312 times in the Hebrew OT. About three-fifths of the usages are found in Job, Proverbs, and Eccl. [The main synonyms are bîn, bînâ, and tebûnâ. The verb bîn is used more widely to mean "consider," "discern" "perceive," but the nouns are close synonyms to ḥokmâ and are used especially in Proverbs and Job. In the well-known verse Proverbs 4:7, "understanding" is not a higher stage than "wisdom," but a poetic synonym used for emphasis. The root śākal is also widely used for ordinary intelligence and skill. It is often used for that wisdom which brings success—even prosperity. This wisdom was possessed by David (1 Samuel 18:14) and will characterize the Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5; Isaiah 52:13). But the Hiphil participle is used particularly in Proverbs as another synonym of ḥokmâ. This word, maśkîl, is also used extensively to designate a type of psalm. tûshîyâ, like śākal, has the double meaning of wisdom and the success which is the effect of wisdom. R. L. Harrison] The essential idea of ḥākam represents a manner of thinking and attitude concerning life's experiences; including matters of general interest and basic morality. These concerns relate to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of the Lord. The subject wisdom was discussed throughout the ancient near east. Mesopotamian wisdom, which originated with the Sumerian, emphasized human experiences, character, and counsel regarding practical advice. The problems of death and suffering were discussed. Egyptian wisdom included the concept of maʾat ("truth," intelligence," "justice"), according to which one order existed in the whole universe. J. A. Wilson characterizes it as a created and inherited rightness, which tradition built up into an orderly stability (Borrow The culture of ancient Egypt University of Chicago, 1951, p. 48). Gods and men were subject to this order of conduct, which was taught by the priests. Some have felt that much of the OT royal wisdom, which great leaders imparted to their students, was borrowed from Egyptian wisdom (e.g. Proverbs 23:13f. borrowed from the teachings of Amenemope, although it is more likely that an original source reflects a revelation of wisdom.) Ugaritic literature also has a form of maxims concerning the father-son relationship possibly reflecting Canaanite wisdom. A later Arabic derivative of the verb denotes "to restrain from acting in an evil manner." OT wisdom is the teaching of a personal God Who is holy and just and Who expects those who know Him to exhibit His character in the many practical affairs of life The wisdom of the OT however, is quite distinct from other ancient world views although the format of wisdom literature is similar to that of other cultures. Reflected in OT wisdom is the teaching of a personal God Who is holy and just and Who expects those who know Him to exhibit His character in the many practical affairs of life. This perfect blend of the revealed will of a holy God with the practical human experiences of life is also distinct from the speculative wisdom of the Greeks. The ethical dynamic of Greek philosophy lay in the intellect; if a person had perfect knowledge he could live the good life (Plato). Knowledge was virtue. The emphasis of OT wisdom was that the human will, in the realm of practical matters, was to be subject to divine causes. Therefore, Hebrew wisdom was not theoretical and speculative. It was practical, based on revealed principles of right and wrong, to be lived out in daily life. In the historical and prophetical books, the word ḥokmâ is sometimes used just to refer to ordinary intelligence and skill (Exodus 35:35; Daniel 1:4), but even there sometimes the divine and moral wisdom is in view. The wisdom literature, while sometimes using wisdom as prudence and cleverness, majors on ethical and spiritual conduct. Because God revealed himself to Israel, their sacred literature has the effect of a divine imperative; ḥākam refers to godly cleverness and skill, which results in practical action. The one who hears (Proverbs 8:33; Proverbs 23:19; Proverbs 27:11), will be industrious, will know how to talk, and his will, will be in captivity to God's. He will have life. This wins divine approbation. ḥokmâ. Wisdom. The usages of ḥokmâ cover the whole gamut of human experience. Wisdom is seen in the skill of technical work in making garments for the high priest (Exodus 28:3), craftsmanship in metal work (Exodus 31:3, 6), as well as the execution of battle tactics (Isaiah 10:13). Wisdom is required from government leaders and heads of state for administration (Deut. 34:9; 2 Samuel 14:20), including pagan leaders as well as Israelites (Ezekiel 28:4-5). The Messiah demonstrates wisdom and discernment in his function as leader of his people (Isaiah 11:2). Wisdom is expressed in shrewdness. The woman of Tekoa averted a town's bloodshed in her clever plea for its safety (2 Samuel 20:22). But a shrewd person is not to boast of his gift (Jeremiah 9:22). The ostrich displays traits lacking shrewdness when she acts in her silly selfish manner (Job 39:17). The gift of shrewdness can be used in an ungodly way to deny the omniscience of God (Isaiah 47:10). Prudence, an aspect of wisdom, is expressed by those who speak with wisdom (Psalm 37:30; Proverbs 10:31), and who use time carefully (Psalm 90:12). This kind of wisdom in the practical affairs of life is derived from the revelation of God (Isaiah 33:6). The source of all wisdom is a personal God who is holy, righteous, and just. His wisdom is expressed against the background of his omnipotence and omniscience. By his wisdom God numbered the clouds (Job 38:37), founded the earth (Proverbs 3:19), and made the world (Jeremiah 10:12). Wisdom, being found in God, is regarded as a divine attribute (Job 12:13). He alone knows wisdom in its truest sense (Job 28:20, 23). The wisdom of God is not found in man's speculation. He alone must provide this wisdom for man's guidance so that man can live the best possible moral and ethical life (Proverbs 2:6; Job 11:6). In proverbial fashion, the Bible personifies divine wisdom so that it seems to be a hypostasis of God, but stops just short of giving it separate existence. This wisdom was brought forth before all things (Proverbs 8:22-31). She has built a house and prepared a banquet for those who will listen to her (Proverbs 9:1f.). She even teaches in public places (Proverbs 1:20; Proverbs 8:1, 6, 11-12). By her instruction her students receive a divine spirit (Proverbs 1:2), the naive become wise, politicians become wise, and those who receive from her wealth are crowned with honor and riches (Proverbs 8:1-21). This personification of wisdom is unique. While there were gods and goddesses in the ancient near east who were thought to possess the gifts of wisdom it is unlikely that any existed by the name of wisdom. The figure of wisdom in the OT never came to be regarded as a deity independent of the Lord although some such expressions occur in Proverbs 8. These have often been taken as an adumbration of Christ. Wisdom did attain a degree of personification, with features which were by no means abstract. Wisdom should not be regarded as God but it does belong to God; it is one of his attributes. Wisdom has a personal existence in the living word of the NT, but wisdom is not the Logos herself (Delitzsch, Proverbs, p. 183). That Wisdom is personifed as a woman in Proverbs 1-9 is partly explained by the fact that the noun is feminine. There the Lady Wisdom is contrasted with the woman Folly who is personified sin. Note the studied contrast of Proverbs 9:4-6 and Proverbs 9:16-18. This personification of wisdom is not found outside these chapters. Wisdom for man is not only to make one humanly wise, but also to lead him to fear the Lord, for this is the beginning of all wisdom (Job 28:28). True wisdom for man involves knowing the Holy One. So, men are to listen to the wisdom of God with attentive ears (Proverbs 2:2). In fact, inner happiness only comes when man attains this wisdom (Proverbs 3:13) through a strenuous search (Proverbs 2:4), which is actually a search for God himself (Proverbs 2:5). Skeptics will never find this wisdom and will never know the full meaning of life (Proverbs 14:6f.). In the great poem of Job 28 wisdom in this special biblical sense is practically defined as trust in God and the avoidance of sin. (Cf. the emphasis on ḥokmâ as referring to moral wisdom in contrast to sinful folly in R. L. Harris, "Proverbs," in WBC, pp. 553-54.) CHOKMAH IN KINGS AND CHRONICLES - 1 Ki. 2:6; 1 Ki. 3:28; 1 Ki. 4:29; 1 Ki. 4:30; 1 Ki. 4:34; 1 Ki. 5:12; 1 Ki. 7:14; 1 Ki. 10:4; 1 Ki. 10:6; 1 Ki. 10:7; 1 Ki. 10:8; 1 Ki. 10:23; 1 Ki. 10:24; 1 Ki. 11:41; 1 Chr. 28:21; 2 Chr. 1:10; 2 Chr. 1:11; 2 Chr. 1:12; 2 Chr. 9:3; 2 Chr. 9:5; 2 Chr. 9:6; 2 Chr. 9:7; 2 Chr. 9:22; 2 Chr. 9:23 QUESTION - What is wisdom? What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? WATCH VIDEO ANSWER - Wisdom and knowledge, both recurring themes in the Bible, are related but not synonymous. The dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the other way around. One can be knowledgeable without being wise. Knowledge is knowing how to use a gun; wisdom is knowing when to use it and when to keep it holstered. God wants us to have knowledge of Him and what He expects of us. In order to obey Him, we have to have knowledge of the commands. But as equally important as having knowledge is having wisdom. Knowing facts about God and the Bible is not all there is to wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God blesses us with wisdom in order for us to glorify Him and use the knowledge we have of Him. The book of Proverbs is perhaps the best place in the Bible to learn of biblical wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 speaks of both biblical knowledge and wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, / but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To fear the Lord is to start on the path to knowledge, and God can then begin to provide us with wisdom through Christ, who the Bible says is wisdom itself: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him. Related Resources: What is godly wisdom? How can I get wisdom from God?