CHAPTER III _Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter_, 1, 2. _He serves God, and offers a thousand burnt-offerings upon one_ _altar, at Gibeon_, 3, 4. _God appears to him in a dream at Gibeon; and asks what he shall_ _give him_, 5. _He asks wisdom; with which God is well pleased, and promises to_... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:2. _THE PEOPLE SACRIFICED IN HIGH PLACES_] Could there be any sin in this, or was it unlawful till after the temple was built? for prophets, judges, the kings which preceded Solomon, and Solomon himself, sacrificed on high places, such as Gibeon, Gilgal, Shiloh, Hebron, Kirjath-jear... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:5. _THE LORD APPEARED TO SOLOMON IN A DREAM_] This was the night after he had offered the sacrifices, (see 2 Chronicles 1:7), and probably after he had earnestly prayed for wisdom; see _Wisdom 7:7_: _Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called_ upon God, _and the spi... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:7. _I KNOW NOT HOW TO GO OUT OR COME IN._] I am just like an infant learning to walk alone, and can neither go out nor come in without help.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:9. _GIVE - AN UNDERSTANDING HEART TO JUDGE THY PEOPLE_] He did not ask wisdom in general, but the true science of government. This wisdom he sought, and this wisdom he obtained.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:12. _I HAVE GIVEN THEE A WISE AND AN UNDERSTANDING HEART_] I have given thee a capacious mind, one capable of knowing much: make a proper use of thy powers, under the direction of my Spirit, and thou shalt excel in wisdom all that have gone before thee; neither after thee shall any... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:16. _THEN CAME THERE TWO WOMEN-HARLOTS_] The word זנות _zonoth_, which we here, and in some other places, improperly translate _harlots_, is by the Chaldee (the best judge in this case) rendered פונדקין _pundekayan, tavern-keepers_. (See on Joshua 2:1). If these had been _harlots_,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:25. _DIVIDE THE LIVING CHILD IN TWO_] This was apparently a very strange decision, and such as nothing could vindicate had it been carried into execution; but Solomon saw that the only way to find out the real mother was by the _affection_ and _tenderness_ which she would necessaril... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 1 Kings 3:28. _THEY FEARED THE KING_] This decision proved that they could not impose upon him; and they were afraid to do those things which might bring them before his judgment-seat. _THEY SAW THAT THE WISDOM OF GOD_ WAS _IN HIM_] They perceived that he was taught of God, judged impartially... [ Continue Reading ]