King James Version
1 Kings 3
28 verses with commentary
Solomon Asks for Wisdom
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Pharaoh king of Egypt**.—At this time it would appear, from the Egyptian records and traditions, that Egypt was weak and divided, and that what is called the twenty-first dynasty of the Tanite kings was ruling in Lower Egypt. This, and a corresponding abeyance (judging from the monuments) of Assyrian power, gave scope for the rise to sudden greatness and wealth of the Israelite kingdom under...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. the king arose, and sat in the gate--**He appeared daily in the usual place for the hearing of causes.
**all the people came before the king--**that is, the loyal natives who had been faithful to his government, and fought in his cause.
**Israel had fled--**that is, the adherents of Absalom, who, on his defeat, had dispersed and saved themselves by flight.
2Sa 19:9-43. The Israelites B...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Solomon's marriage.(1-4)
His vision, His prayer for wisdom.(5-15)
The judgment of Solomon.(16-28)
**Verses 1-4**
He that loved the Lord, should, for his sake, have fixed his love upon one of the Lord's people. Solomon was a wise man, a rich man, a great man; yet the brightest praise of him, is that which is the character of all the saints, even the p...
Read full commentary →Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **In high places**.—The historian, writing from the point of view of his own time, when, after the solemn consecration of the Temple, the worship at “the high places,” which form natural sanctuaries, was forbidden, explains that “because there was no house built unto the name of the Lord,” the people, and Solomon himself, sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. It is clear that these ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-11. all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel--**The kingdom was completely disorganized. The sentiments of three different parties are represented in 2Sa 19:9, 10: the royalists, the adherents of Absalom who had been very numerous, and those who were indifferent to the Davidic dynasty. In these circumstances the king was right in not hastening back, as a conqueror, to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Solomon's marriage.(1-4)
His vision, His prayer for wisdom.(5-15)
The judgment of Solomon.(16-28)
**Verses 1-4**
He that loved the Lord, should, for his sake, have fixed his love upon one of the Lord's people. Solomon was a wise man, a rich man, a great man; yet the brightest praise of him, is that which is the character of all the saints, even the p...
Read full commentary →And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulf...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-11. all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel--**The kingdom was completely disorganized. The sentiments of three different parties are represented in 2Sa 19:9, 10: the royalists, the adherents of Absalom who had been very numerous, and those who were indifferent to the Davidic dynasty. In these circumstances the king was right in not hastening back, as a conqueror, to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Solomon's marriage.(1-4)
His vision, His prayer for wisdom.(5-15)
The judgment of Solomon.(16-28)
**Verses 1-4**
He that loved the Lord, should, for his sake, have fixed his love upon one of the Lord's people. Solomon was a wise man, a rich man, a great man; yet the brightest praise of him, is that which is the character of all the saints, even the p...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultim...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Gibeon.**—The name itself, signifying “belonging to a hill,” indicates its position on the central plateau of Israel, in the land of Benjamin, whence rise several round hills, on one of which the town stood. There was now reared the Tabernacle, with the brazen altar of sacrifice, to which the descendants of the old Gibeonites were attached as “hewers of wood and drawers of water” (Joshua 9:2...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-11. all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel--**The kingdom was completely disorganized. The sentiments of three different parties are represented in 2Sa 19:9, 10: the royalists, the adherents of Absalom who had been very numerous, and those who were indifferent to the Davidic dynasty. In these circumstances the king was right in not hastening back, as a conqueror, to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
Solomon's marriage.(1-4)
His vision, His prayer for wisdom.(5-15)
The judgment of Solomon.(16-28)
**Verses 1-4**
He that loved the Lord, should, for his sake, have fixed his love upon one of the Lord's people. Solomon was a wise man, a rich man, a great man; yet the brightest praise of him, is that which is the character of all the saints, even the p...
Read full commentary →In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.</strong> This divine encounter at Gibeon marks a pivotal moment in Solomon's reign and demonstrates God's gracious initiative toward the young king. The Hebrew <em>Gibeon</em> (גִּבְעוֹן) was a high place, one of the most significant worship sites before the temple's construction. Though h...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **The Lord appeared**.—This direct communication to Solomon by a dream—standing in contrast with the indirect knowledge of the Lord’s will by David through the prophets Nathan and Gad (2Samuel 7:2-17; 2Samuel 12:1-14; 2Samuel 24:11-14), and by “enquiring of the Lord” through the priest (1Samuel 23:9-12; 1Samuel 30:7; 2Samuel 2:1)—is perhaps the first indication of some temporary abeyance of th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed 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. mercy: or, bounty
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed 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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And Solomon said**.—On Solomon’s “wisdom,” see Note on 1Kings 4:29. Here it is clear that the wisdom which he asks is that of the ruler, involving elements both moral and intellectual—the wisdom to discern and do true justice between man and man. He calls himself “a little child”—his age is variously estimated from twelve to twenty at this time—and trembles at the responsibility of ruling ov...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. And say ye to Amasa, &c.--**This also was a dextrous stroke of policy. David was fully alive to the importance, for extinguishing the rebellion, of withdrawing from that cause the only leader who could keep it alive; and he, therefore, secretly intimated his intention to raise Amasa to the command of the army in the place of Joab, whose overbearing haughtiness had become intolerable. The...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah--**that is, Amasa, who had been won over, used his great influence in re-attaching the whole tribe of Judah to the interest of David.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understan...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. Judah came to Gilgal--**the most convenient place where preparations could be made for bringing the king and court over the Jordan.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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? understanding: Heb. hearing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong> Solomon's request demonstrates remarkable wisdom even before receiving wisdom as a gift. The Hebrew phrase <em>lev shomea</em> (לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ, 'hearing heart') or 'understanding heart' literally means a heart that listen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message abou...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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; long life: Heb. many days discern: Heb. hear
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Because thou hast asked.**—It is obvious to note this verse as a fulfilment of the Divine law, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and -all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). All these secondary blessings are good, just so far as they conduce to the supreme good, which is the growth of the human nature, by the knowledge of God and by faithfully doing His...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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. shall: or, hath not been
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understand...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **I will lengthen.**—In this promise only one point, “length of days,” is conditional; and it was not fulfilled. For though Solomon’s age at the time of death is not given, yet, as his reign is given as lasting forty years, it could hardly have exceeded sixty. (Josephus, indeed, with his usual tendency to amplification, extends the reign to eighty years, and makes Solomon die in extreme old a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple buil...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Stood before the ark of the covenant, **in its Tabernacle on Mount Sion, which now constituted a second, and probably still more sacred, place of worship. The great sacrifice—now distinctly a thank-offering, followed as usual by a sacred feast—is naturally repeated there.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-15**
Solomon's dream was not a common one. While his bodily powers were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were strengthened; he was enabled to receive the Divine vision, and to make a suitable choice. God, in like manner, puts us in the ready way to be happy, by assuring us we shall have what we need, and pray for. Solomon's making such a choice when asleep, and the powers ...
Read full commentary →A Wise Ruling
Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theologic...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Then came there.**—The celebrated “judgment of Solomon,” given here as a specimen of his wisdom, is simply an instance of intuitive sagacity, cutting the Gordian knot of hopeless difficulty by the appear to maternal instinct—an appeal which might, of course, fail, but which was, under the exceptional circumstances, the only appeal possible. It is in the knowledge how to risk failure rather ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-23. Shemei ... a thousand men of Benjamin with him--**This display of [Shemei's] followers was to show what force he could raise against or in support of the king. Expressing the deepest regret for his former outrageous conduct, he was pardoned on the spot; and although the son of Zeruiah urged the expediency of making this chief a public example, his officiousness was repulsed by David with ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Chri...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-30. Mephibosheth ... came down to meet the king--**The reception given to Mephibosheth was less creditable to David. The sincerity of that prince's grief for the misfortunes of the king cannot be doubted.
**He had neither dressed his feet--**not taken the bath,
**nor trimmed his beard--**The Hebrews cut off the hair on the upper lip (see on Le 13:45), and cheeks, but carefully cherished i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-30. Mephibosheth ... came down to meet the king--**The reception given to Mephibosheth was less creditable to David. The sincerity of that prince's grief for the misfortunes of the king cannot be doubted.
**He had neither dressed his feet--**not taken the bath,
**nor trimmed his beard--**The Hebrews cut off the hair on the upper lip (see on Le 13:45), and cheeks, but carefully cherished i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-30. Mephibosheth ... came down to meet the king--**The reception given to Mephibosheth was less creditable to David. The sincerity of that prince's grief for the misfortunes of the king cannot be doubted.
**He had neither dressed his feet--**not taken the bath,
**nor trimmed his beard--**The Hebrews cut off the hair on the upper lip (see on Le 13:45), and cheeks, but carefully cherished i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-30. Mephibosheth ... came down to meet the king--**The reception given to Mephibosheth was less creditable to David. The sincerity of that prince's grief for the misfortunes of the king cannot be doubted.
**He had neither dressed his feet--**not taken the bath,
**nor trimmed his beard--**The Hebrews cut off the hair on the upper lip (see on Le 13:45), and cheeks, but carefully cherished i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nua...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-30. Mephibosheth ... came down to meet the king--**The reception given to Mephibosheth was less creditable to David. The sincerity of that prince's grief for the misfortunes of the king cannot be doubted.
**He had neither dressed his feet--**not taken the bath,
**nor trimmed his beard--**The Hebrews cut off the hair on the upper lip (see on Le 13:45), and cheeks, but carefully cherished i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Heb...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-30. Mephibosheth ... came down to meet the king--**The reception given to Mephibosheth was less creditable to David. The sincerity of that prince's grief for the misfortunes of the king cannot be doubted.
**He had neither dressed his feet--**not taken the bath,
**nor trimmed his beard--**The Hebrews cut off the hair on the upper lip (see on Le 13:45), and cheeks, but carefully cherished i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nua...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-30. Mephibosheth ... came down to meet the king--**The reception given to Mephibosheth was less creditable to David. The sincerity of that prince's grief for the misfortunes of the king cannot be doubted.
**He had neither dressed his feet--**not taken the bath,
**nor trimmed his beard--**The Hebrews cut off the hair on the upper lip (see on Le 13:45), and cheeks, but carefully cherished i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological m...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-40. Barzillai the Gileadite--**The rank, great age, and chivalrous devotion of this Gileadite chief wins our respect. His declining to go to court, his recommendation of his son, his convoy across the Jordan, and his parting scene with the king, are interesting incidents. What mark of royal favor was bestowed on Chimham has not been recorded; but it is probable that David gave a great part of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-40. Barzillai the Gileadite--**The rank, great age, and chivalrous devotion of this Gileadite chief wins our respect. His declining to go to court, his recommendation of his son, his convoy across the Jordan, and his parting scene with the king, are interesting incidents. What mark of royal favor was bestowed on Chimham has not been recorded; but it is probable that David gave a great part of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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. yearned: Heb. were hot
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-40. Barzillai the Gileadite--**The rank, great age, and chivalrous devotion of this Gileadite chief wins our respect. His declining to go to court, his recommendation of his son, his convoy across the Jordan, and his parting scene with the king, are interesting incidents. What mark of royal favor was bestowed on Chimham has not been recorded; but it is probable that David gave a great part of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contri...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-40. Barzillai the Gileadite--**The rank, great age, and chivalrous devotion of this Gileadite chief wins our respect. His declining to go to court, his recommendation of his son, his convoy across the Jordan, and his parting scene with the king, are interesting incidents. What mark of royal favor was bestowed on Chimham has not been recorded; but it is probable that David gave a great part of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →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. in him: Heb. in the midst of him
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's wisdom and the famous judgment, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. Solomon's God-given wisdom points to Christ, '...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**31-40. Barzillai the Gileadite--**The rank, great age, and chivalrous devotion of this Gileadite chief wins our respect. His declining to go to court, his recommendation of his son, his convoy across the Jordan, and his parting scene with the king, are interesting incidents. What mark of royal favor was bestowed on Chimham has not been recorded; but it is probable that David gave a great part of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-28**
An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the child loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Let parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as br...
Read full commentary →