Discuss 1 Kings 3

I agree. God's glory through His creation reflects God. Just studying any aspect of God's creation shows amazing detail, intelligent thought, and brilliant design. Many scientists are actually religious activists who hardly use the scientific method for anything, but just use science as a label to claim authority and dominance over others. Like Fauci.

1 KINGS 3:16-28 There is no conflict or contradiction opposing FATH to SCIENCE. Faith and Science complement each other in resolving problems to their corresponding, factual, real, truthful solutions! God said "Let there be light and there was light and the Lord SAW that the light was good." God spoke and the Universe came into being! That's "spiritual-scientific real factual Truth! As proven through his demonstrated wisdom in decision-making - His proposition did properly justly resolve the problem by his discovery of the FACTUAL REAL TRUTH! The child was NOT cut in two, after all, so that each "mother" is satisfied with half of the child, and the King's conscience would be clear, by appearing to be "fair to both women," and yet while he would be committing a crime worse than the theft of the child itself: DEATH of the child. Thus, King Solomon reduced the problem, i.e., who is the REAL TRUE FACTUAL MOTHER, to its simplest fundamental Form of explanatory expression: People are naturally self-centered in seeking their own selfish HEARTFELT REAL ENDS, ONLY TO THEIR OWN BENEFITS! Thus, the King rightly discerned, judged, and decided, with wisdom and understanding, that: THE TRUE REAL FACTUAL MOTHER has to love her child so much that she will sacrifice her own selfish interest and personal pride so that the child is neither harmed nor killed in the process; for, THE CHILD remains, always and foremost, her primary concern and interest, and, NOT her own selfish egocentric benefits from the outcome! LOVE overcame pride and selfishness and the child did LIVE! Conclusion: Just as E = mc squared is scientific in yielding nuclear bombs, both fusion and fission, God's Word of perfect knowledge and understanding also yields factual real truth-results. The child lived and the real factual true mother was exposed due to her selfless love for her child. Thus, God's living Word of Truth in Christ Jesus is as scientific as a mathematical equation like E = mc squared! ***

1 KINGS 3:16-28 The wisdom of Solomon in deciding who is the real mother of the child clearly proves that there is no such thing as "a gray area" or that "truth is relative." When mortal Humans don't know - such as the case of King Solomon who did not know who the real mother was and who the thief was - they say, "well, probability says 50/50;" or "this is a gray area, there is no right or wrong answer." BUT, in scientific fact and logical reasoning, there is an absolute pre-determined truth regarding the situation at hand: THERE is a real true factual mother of the child, but, UNKNOWN AT THE TIME OF DECISION. That's the crux of the matter with mortal Humans who have limited knowledge, imperfect reasoning capacity, sinful fleshly nature, intrinsic lack of wisdom; and who often, to their detriment for not thinking thoroughly about a direct corresponding true solution to the factual problem, rush to judgment, either from ignorance or panic, to make rash vital life-and-death deicisions based upon FALSE assumptions, preconceived biases, individual preferences, or prejudicial personal worldview, perspective, faith, belief or doctrine. "It's a gray area" because THEY don't know the actual genuine corresponding true answer to the factual problem before them; but, once discovered, the factual truth was NOT gray, but, very clear, succinct, firm, absolute, and already incontrovertible. But, KING SOLOMON, did NOT err that way! For, just because the genuine answer to the factual problem at hand, is yet, FROM THE START, unknown by mortal Humans, does not make the answer "a gray area" with no right or wrong solution. The genuine truthful factual solution MUST BE FOUND by the exercise of wisdom and good judgment, as KING SOLOMON proved in DISCERNING THE RIGHT WAY to extract the factual truth from the situation. Solomon did NOT succumb to "this is a gray area;" "chance accident probability rules here;" nor any other godless secular nonsense! His method worked perfectly well! ***

Psalm 61. A story of vows.

Verse 5 in this short Psalm indicates vows that David made; unknown as to exactly what they were. The next verse states assurance of long life which Solomon was promised in 1 Kings 3:14 IF He would remain obedient and not stray as warned in the conditions listed there as well as in 2 Chronicles 1:11 and sequential verses (without the promise of long life there). Solomon's sins probably shortened his life; however despite his lengthy reign.

In David's case vows were given; whereas in Solomon's case I know of no such example. There are warnings; in fact in Ecclesiastes which Solomon wrote after learning some bitter life lessons where he mentions vows. ( Ecclesiastes 5:4-8). God requires it; and we are "fools" if we don't. A vow can be a one time act such as Paul in Acts 18:18; or one that is done for as long as a lifetime (such as a marriage vow). Thus; we need to be careful what we promise and have every intention to complete it. Judges 11 shows the seriousness of a poorly thought out vow (much controversy there as to the meaning; it would probably mean dedicating as a perpetual virgin to the Lord in the case of a human as opposed to an animal sacrifice). There are whole commentaries on that passage of scripture.

In this Psalm we should focus on the eternal benefits of those who trust God. Verse 7 indicates the king will abide before God "forever"; and this would clearly foreshadow the Messiah who was to be a son of David who would finally be the one to restore the Kingdom and fulfill all the promises left undone. It would seem that David's vows were for a lifetime of some sort of service (verse 8). The continual praise certainly should accompany what we vow; that would be nice to see in marriages. The rock in verse 2 certainly would indicate Deity; and God's protection in verses 3 and 4 show our heavenly home to come and the angelic protection promised for His saints (see Psalm 91:4).

On the subject of prayer...

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 exhort us to pray continually. We should note that giving thanksgiving and rejoicing in Christ are other factors. Meditating on the Word day and night ( Joshua 1:8) certainly would be the other principal act associated with answered prayers. This verse in greater detail gives the exhortation to DO the things in the Word; and gives the added benefit of prosperity and success. This causes us to look at Solomon's prayer for wisdom when God also gave Him what He DIDN'T ask for in terms of exceedingly great riches. 1 Kings 3:5-15 shows this coming to pass; but of course the later sins that Solomon committed despite being warned of God to avoid basically caused the downfall of Israel.

There are obvious guidelines of what to avoid in seeing answered prayer in the Book of James chapter 4. We should note that this passage can be broadly taken for ANY type of lust (sexual; power; material gain) that comes from the world; flesh or the Devil. This would be something that hopefully would be limited to new; immature believers or the prosperity preaching crowd.

There are a number of basic concepts that need to be covered here providing that we are at least attempting caution as to the warnings in James; including our character not being "double minded" for example; where a person is warned that they should expect nothing from God. (see James 4:8).

Fact One: The primary purpose of prayer should be for the sake of God's Kingdom. The most obvious conclusion should of course be in accordance with the Lord's Prayer that HIS will is done and His Kingdom comes; and that He gets all the power and glory. ( Matthew 6; Luke 11 version somewhat abbreviated). That prayer is written as a general concept of prayer; only asking for "daily bread" as a request for human needs. It is not to be rehearsed as a mantra.

Fact Two: Prayers need to be secondarily for the edification of the Body. (more in next section)

Verse 9-We see the humble and modest prayer that Solomon offered and how this was very pleasing to God. We must approach God in a humble and modest way as well when we are praying.

I'm not sure where you're coming from. Solomon's marrying Pharoah's daughter apparently didn't stop God from asking Solomon what He should give him in 1 Kings 3:5. I also noted that when leaders go astray, the people do suffer. That may have been his realization when writing Proverbs 29:2. Moses' leadership was also subverted by those who insisted on carrying their idols from Egypt to the promised land ( Amos 5:25-26). His (Moses) leadership was honorable and none was more humble than he in serving the Lord. But you're right, Solomon became a poor example to the people he had sought God to help govern. People will choose to do what they want in the end, regardless of who's in charge.

Rehoboam's decision to follow the young princes' advice and not the elders could be partly blamed on his father. But the decision was his and dad wasn't around anymore. As for Jeroboam and Solomon trying to kill him, Jeroboam wasn't anointed, but appointed to be King over Israel and he failed miserably in that role. His wickedness was such that he's referenced multiple times in comparison with the other evil kings (which were all) over Israel.

Ultimately, though, Solomon came back to the Lord prior to his death. I'm not sure of the timeline, but the ending in Ecclesiastes is clear..Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. King Saul didn't have that repentent spirit within him when he sought the witch of Endor or fell on the battlefield against the Philistines.

Have a good week.

Hi Keith.

King Solomon didn't ask for those earthy things, God rewarded him with them.

Here's scripture proof.

1 Kings 3:8-13. 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.

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?

And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

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;

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.

(-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.-)

And as for the nation as a whole, When they walked in Gods ways and statutes he blessed them and gave them rest.

Exodus 23:25-27. And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

God bless.

Barbara, Wisdom is the fear of God, without that, nothing else means anything. Learn to fear God, and you will prosper in knowledge.

God Bless

1 Kings 10:27 was the verse for Solomon multiplying silver, not 1 Kings 4:27.

This statement is true. Nonetheless; we must remember his fall; which as is commonplace among Israel's rulers due to a PREDICTED series of events conditional with his behavior. First of all; there was a general warning in scripture about multiplying gold and silver and horses (although at present I'm not sure where it is; maybe Psalms or Proverbs). There was a specific warning of not being drawn away to foreign gods; which the 300 wives and even MORE "concubines" that his soul loved certainly moved him to do with their various pagan traditions. Ecclesiastes wrote about his vain search for knowledge; wealth; and other pleasures of life; after his folly cost him dearly so at least there is some indication that he had learned some lessons. Pride comes before a fall. Not only was his personal life compromised; but it ruined what could have been a perpetual role for Israel as a nation with its leaders. The Lord foresaw all this; of course and despite all this the lineage leading to Christ would finally result in the "Son of David" to manifest. The Babylonians were to soon take all the wealth from the Temple and the people led to exile eventually after this.

We also need to soberly consider Lucifer's fall; with his great privileges and standing being ruined due to pride. The rich can be ensnared by the cares of this life; and there are further warnings of drowning in perdition. David himself was most harshly judged by God when he took the census of the fighting men; which was an affront to trusting God rather than horses and chariots and armies of men as God Himself had warned about. The Lord giveth; and He taketh away. A man's life consists not of His possessions. We are asked to pursue heavenly treasures; not those on earth where rust and moth corrupt. It isn't money itself; but the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. Naked we came into the world; and naked we shall depart.

With greatness; comes great responsibility. Food for thought

It is also interesting to me that apart from being chosen by God and being an Israelite, in nearly all other respects Solomon didn't gain the wisdom to apply to himself Deuteronomy 17:14-20. He instead gave himself over to his earthly appetites in multiplying horses ( 1 Kings 4:26), wives ( 1 Kings 11:3), and gold ( 1 Kings 10:14) and silver ( 1 Kings 4:27)

23. So king Solomon exceeded all the kings OF THE EARTH, for riches and for wisedome. 24. And ALL THE EARTH sought to Solomon, to heare his wisedom which God had put in his heart. ( 1 Kings 4:23-24).

Christ has fulfilled Deuteronomy 17:14-20. He is God's true choice for king to reign over all his brethren, and rather than turning His heart or the people's heart away from God or exalting Himself above His brother's as Solomon and even more foolishly Solomon's son Rehoboam did ( 1 Kings 12:4-17), He fulfilled God's will and humbled Himself in the upper room and in His death on the cross.

Solomon got the earthly visible form of wisdom and all of the other things to reign over a visible people and nation of this age and in that no one will beat him.

However, the book of Ecclesiates shows that Isaiah 40:8-9 still holds true over all that Solomon was given in this visible life.

Jesus Christ has the heavenly invisible form of power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing ( Revelation 5:12) hidden in the Old Testament scriptures that Solomon was only an earthly shadow of. Christ is the substance. Christ Himself is the Word of God that is eternal and that gives the abiding eternal life that Isaiah spoke of, but that Word is hidden from all those who only seek what is under the sun. Set your mind on Him and by faith abide in Him to bear fruit rather than setting your mind on the things Solomon got that all passed away when his life ended on earth. Being super rich in the things that pass away is nothing compared to the poorest person that has the smallest treasure in heaven that is eternal. The only thing left of Solomon that has lasted is his contribution to the scriptures that reveal and point us to Christ, and that is the only thing that will last in any generations we leave behind at the end of our earthly lives and in eternal life.

Christ is King of kings who's reign for now is only revealed and proclaimed through a foolish nation and people as far as the men of this world and its wisdom are concerned, but we are born of the wisdom of God revealed only to those who are in Christ. Focus your prayers on how to live wisely among the people of God's Kingdom that stand on a sea of glass more than any earthly nation like the one Solomon reigned over or that you see tossed about by the waves of the sea today. What we see is passing away.

Solomon prayed the right prayer according from a sincere heart. He did not pray according to his need or want he thought he wanted but what he knew was for the people. God saw he was not selfish and wanted to understand and judge the people right so God gave him much more than he ask for and there is not one king before nor will there be one after him who was as wise. Plus God made him super rich. He was the richest king more than his Father King David. I desire more wisdom and understanding from God it is a great thing.

Dude that is some next level stuff their. I can see why the people feared him after that judgement.

A true mother would sacrifice the stolen child than to be hurt. Good timing of God's gift to Solomon to be able to discern this situation. Not coincidence. The wrong mother was fine with child being split in half.

Hebrews 5:14 - But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to DISCERN both good and evil. 1 Corinthians 2:14 - But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them , because they are spiritually DISCERNED (We need the Holy Spirit to give us CORRECT discernment or we will lose our way).
1 Kings 3:9 - 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?" When a Christian discerns the WRONG way, he/she is to turn away from it.

1 Kings 3:9 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? King Solomon humbly requested that the Lord just give him what he stood in need of. Through the divine inspiration of God he applied his knowledge,Love, & Understanding to The book of Proverbs.We all as Heart felt Saved Christians need to collectively humble ourselves & Pray to the Lord asking him for the things we stand in need of. God Bless

To continue: That is why we have so many partners, and to think that we have the strength to keep God's commandments is another story entirely, we need to pray to God for wisdom and understanding, in all things, even if we think we know. Whether home or abroad.

After reading this chapter, and the previous chapter, the thought has come to me, that we are born of this world, and placed whether male or female thinking that after a certain age we know what to do, and how to do it, especially if we have gone to school, but in actuality we know nothing, and we are too blind to ask God, on whether it is how to be a good wife, or husband.

Hmmm "neither mine nor thine". That is where the problem is. It is the vocabulary of Satan. The motivation behind everything he does. I missed it so you too must miss it. God save us.

Verse 9~Solomon asked for an obedient and understanding heart so that he would make wise decisions and be pleasing to Jehovah God. We can pray for the same.

What a landmark judgement, fit only to be inspired divinely. Solomon could not have asked for a better gift from God.

"Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? one who is able to judge between his brethren?" and, "why even of yourselves, judge ye not what is right?" It is a bad teaching that says we as Christians are not to judge. "Know ye not that we shall judge angels? . . . Know ye not that the Saints shall judge the world?" How else are we to keep the Lord's house clean and safe from wicked spirits?

Irene (cont.) and when Solomon had that dream when God appeared to him, and told him to ask whatever he wanted; what was in his heart was to be like his father David in his ability to care for Israel. If he had secret pride, as you say, how did God not see it afar off, and confront him with that evil in his heart? you are mistaken about that! God saw what was in his heart, and was pleased to give.

Hi Irene; the way I read about David, the Lord's testimony of him was for ever after, that David walked with God with a perfect heart all his days, (except in the matter of Bathsheba), and that he was a man after God's own heart. He very much did often ask (read the Psalms!) for wisdom and guidance. Solomon was as a child in his own eyes, when he was called by God to step into David's shoes . . .

David wasn't perfect. But, he never asked for the wisdom for himself to judge GOD'S people; GOD'S people, not his. Solomon had a hidden sin in his walk - that only knew of: pride. He should have learned from David that God is FAR wiser in judging His people than man is. Solomon asked for something that was the province of only God. God had His reasons for granting his prayer for wisdom.

That was wisely judge God really gives Solomon what he asked for

James
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. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded"

Irene123 I believe King Solomon could best answer your question: 2 Samuel 12:24 1 Kings 3:5, 3:9-14, 3:28, 4:29-32, 6:1, 6:11-14, 10:23, and 11:3-9