1 Kings 3

• In the ancient Near East, it was common for rulers to form alliances through marriage. Solomon married an Egyptian princess to strengthen ties with Egypt. The Egyptian king gave Solomon the city of Gezer as a wedding gift (1 Kings 9:16), showing respect for Solomon. The Egyptian king was likely Siamun from the weakened 21st dynasty. The alliance was mutually beneficial: Pharaoh gained access to trade routes through Israel, while Solomon increased security on his southern border. Solomon had also married Naamah from Ammon (see 1 Kings 11:42–43 with 14:21).

• City of David: This part of Jerusalem was the old Jebusite city on the southern part of the eastern ridge. When Solomon expanded his building projects north, he constructed a special palace for Pharaoh’s daughter (1 Kings 7:8; 9:24; 2 Chronicles 8:11).

The ark of the covenant was in David's tent in Jerusalem before the temple was built. During this time, people made sacrifices at local worship sites (see study note on 1 Kings 8:1). This practice reduced unified worship at a central place (1 Kings 12:1–24). It also increased the risk of adopting Canaanite religious practices. Worshiping at these local sites was forbidden for Israel (Deuteronomy 12:1–14).

The city of Gibeon was six miles northwest of Jerusalem. Its altar was known as the great high place. It was a major worship site for large sacrifices. Gibeon also hosted the tabernacle (a sacred tent used for worship) (1 Chronicles 16:39–40; 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:2–6).

The story of God giving wisdom to Solomon is told as a chiasm (a mirrored structure where A and B reflect B' and A'). It highlights Solomon's interaction with the Lord:

• A: While Solomon was sacrificing at Gibeon, the Lord appeared to him in a dream (1 Kings 3:4–5).

  • B: Solomon asked for wisdom to govern his people fairly and effectively (1 Kings 3:6–9).

  • B’: The Lord agreed to his request and gave him extra blessings (1 Kings 3:10–14).

• A’: Solomon woke up from the dream and made more sacrifices to the Lord (1 Kings 3:15).

The Hebrew word khesed is often translated “faithful love.” It describes God’s gracious and kind treatment of people (Psalm 118:1–2). God shows this faithful love especially to Israel, the nation with whom he made a covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9, 12).

The Hebrew term for little child often referred to someone inexperienced in their job, like an "assistant" (1 Kings 19:21). Solomon humbly admitted his lack of experience and his need for wisdom. He understood that to govern the people well and make good decisions, he needed God's help.

God was pleased with Solomon's selfless request and gave him a wise and understanding heart. These unique qualities are shown in the next section (1 Kings 3:16–28) and as Solomon organizes his administration (1 Kings 4), business dealings, construction projects, international relations, and worship practices (1 Kings 5–10).

Solomon's sacrifice after the dream completes the story.

prostitutes: The law condemned prostitution (Leviticus 19:29; Deuteronomy 23:18), but it still existed in ancient Israel. These women were among the most looked down upon in Israelite society. However, Solomon showed kindness and fairness to them by treating them as mothers, not just as prostitutes.

Solomon's decision about the true mother of the living baby shows his wisdom in legal matters. First Kings 4–10 show his wisdom in all parts of his rule.

Kings often said they had special wisdom and could make fair decisions. God promised that Solomon's wisdom was greater than other wise men (1 Kings 4:29–34; 10:6–9, 23–24).