Solomon’s Wisdom

A young king, Solomon goes to Gibeon, the great high place, and offers a thousand burnt offerings there. That night, the LORD appears to him in a dream: “Ask what I shall give thee.” Feeling like “a little child” with no experience before an immense people, Solomon asks not for long life, not for riches, not for the life of his enemies, but for “an understanding heart” to judge and to discern between good and bad. This request pleases the Lord, who grants him wisdom without equal, and riches and honor besides. Soon two women come disputing over a baby: each claims that the living child is hers. Solomon asks for a sword and orders the child to be cut in two. The real mother, overcome with compassion, begs that the child be given to the other woman instead; the other accepts the division. Solomon gives the child to the first. All Israel recognizes the wisdom of God in him.