King Solomon's Judgment

He was now sovereign of the land of Israel. Following in his father David’s steps, he ruled well. This land had never displayed so much prosperity. No king would ever be more powerful and wealthy. The Jerusalem palace now showed great opulence. However, he employed great wisdom and providence. David said, “Walk in God’s ways and obey each decree, Then He shall in turn keep the promise He made to me. If your descendents adhere to My commandments well, someone will always sit on the throne of Israel.” Solomon kept his word as his father lay dying, to be forever faithful to God and discerning. He must be prosperous in every undertaking, diligence and integrity never forsaking. The Lord gave discernment, great knowledge, and keen insight. God spoke to Solomon in a dream he had one night. On one day, two prostitutes appeared before the king. These women presented issues both were disputing. They lived together in a brothel in the city. Each was ill favored, and neither deserved his pity. These women both claimed to be the mother of a son. They declared victimization by the other one. The first woman said, “Her baby is the one that’s dead, she rolled over in her sleep, and covered her son’s head. I discovered that morning when I would nurse my son, she took my baby and substituted her dead one.” The next woman said, “No, do not believe such a thing! My son is alive! Her baby is dead! She’s lying!” The other one cried, “That one is mine, she’s deceiving! How could someone do such an evil deed, mighty king?” Solomon evaluated each testimony. He made this decision on hearing each woman’s plea: “Bring me a sword; I shall divide this baby in two. There shall be two halves of this child for each of you.” The second woman said, “Yes king, do it! That sounds good! Cut that thing in two. If I can’t have him, no one should!” The first one yelled, “Don’t kill him! Please don’t do such a thing! Give the baby to her and spare his life, my great king!” Solomon turned to the first woman and said to her: “Here woman, take the child, you are the true mother. You have shown compassion here. There can be no other!” This was just one example of Solomon’s wisdom. There would never be a greater man in this kingdom.