The Judgment of Solomon

Judgement of Solomon by Gustave Doré, 1865

The Judgment of Solomon is an incident where two women claimed the same child as their own and Solomon used maternal instinct to discern the true mother. The Judgment of Solomon, recorded in the Bible, is the only trial among many cases handled during Solomon's reign, which demonstrates his exceptional wisdom.

Solomon, the King of Wisdom

Solomon, known as the King of Wisdom, was a figure of the 10th century BCE, the third king of the ancient Israelite kingdom following David.^[1] Succeeding David, Solomon ruled for 40 years, during which he built various cities, including the Jerusalem Temple, and the palace, elevating the nation's status, strengthening its power, and expanding its territory.^[2]^[3] After his coronation, Solomon offered God a thousand burnt offerings.^[4] Burnt offerings involve sacrificing animals by burning them as a ceremony. He went to the Gibeon high place, which was large with an altar of burnt offerings built during the time of Moses, and offered abundant sacrifices to God with all his might and sincerity. That night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him.

Ask for whatever you want me to give you.

1 Kings 3:5

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.

1 Kings 3:9

When God asked what he desired, Solomon sought wisdom to listen to and discern the disputes of the people. Solomon's request stemmed from his recognition that he lacked the ability to administer fair judgment among the many people.^[5] He sought wisdom, not desiring longevity, wealth, or vengeance against his enemies. This plea satisfied God's heart.^[6] Consequently, God generously bestowed upon Solomon not only wisdom and discernment but also wealth and honor, which Solomon had not requested.^[7] Blessed abundantly by God, Solomon enjoyed wealth and splendor, receiving tribute from nations as far as the Euphrates River to the borders of Egypt.^[8]^[9] This period marked the zenith of the kingdom of Israel. Solomon, who was also excellent in literature, wrote the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs from the Old Testament,^[10]^[11]^[12] and was knowledgeable about animals and plants.^[13] His reputation for outstanding wisdom grew, and kings from other countries came to see him.^[14]^[15]

Wise Judgment Revealing the True Mother

In the early days of the Israelite monarchy, kings were involved in the lawsuits and disputes of the people. Kings would appoint judges to adjudicate the disputes of the people^[16] and sometimes directly render judgments.^[17] Therefore, it appears that Solomon, during his 40-year reign, would have presided over numerous trials.^[18] However, only one of Solomon's achievements as a judge is recorded in the Bible. It was the judgment that revealed the true mother of a newborn baby.

Overview of the Incident

Two women living in the same house gave birth to babies three days apart. A few days later, when one of the babies died, the two women came to Solomon, each claiming that the living child was her own, leading to a dispute between them

The other woman said, “No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours.” But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before the king.

1 Kings 3:22

The woman who brought the case claimed that when she woke up to nurse her child in the morning, she found him dead. She said when the sun came out, she looked closely at the dead child's face and that it was not her son. Thus, she suspected that the other woman in her sleep, had accidently smothered her own child and then secretly exchanged him with the living baby in her arms during the night. Then the other woman recklessly claimed that the living child was her son. It is presumed that the reason King Solomon personally took charge of the women's case was because it was an incident that no one could easily judge.^[19]

Hearings and Judgments

Two women had a child and each claimed to be the biological mother of the child, but there were no witnesses or evidence that could help reveal the truth. Since both of them claimed that what they said was correct, it was necessary to distinguish between those who were telling the truth and those who were lying. At that time, Solomon issued an extraordinary command.

Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

1 Kings 3:24–25

One of the two babies born to the woman had died, and now the surviving baby was also in danger of dying. The response of the two women to Solomon's command was sharply contrasting. One woman, dumbstruck, pleaded, “Please, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!” Another woman agreed to kill the child, saying, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!”^[20] Solomon ruled that the woman who tried to protect the life of her child was the true mother. The woman who agreed to kill the child was a false woman pretending to be his mother. Through Solomon's wisdom, the child could safely return to his mother's arms. This spread throughout Israel, and the people feared Solomon because the wisdom of God was in him.^[21]

The Source of Wisdom

Solomon's judgment is a clear example of how wise and clear he was, and is the event that made Solomon crowned as the “King of Wisdom.” The writer of Kings describes Solomon's offering a thousand burnt offerings and then recounts the incident of his judgment, suggesting that his wisdom came from God. The Bible is a book that testifies about God and was written to teach God’s people.^[22]^[23] The record of Solomon's judgment is not just to praise Solomon's personal wisdom, but also teaches us that we must realize that God is the source of wisdom and always seek wisdom from God. So the Bible tells us that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

It also teaches that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, that is, God who came in the flesh to save mankind.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2-3

True Mother Gives Eternal Life

In a situation where there were no clues to reveal the biological mother, Solomon used maternal instinct as a measure of judgment. He had no doubt a mother would do everything possible to save her child's life at all costs. His prediction was accurate. Indeed, the true mother tried to save her child, even giving up parental rights. God’s people who will be saved also have Mother.^[24] The Mother of our souls also rescues Her children who are in danger of death,^[25] bringing them eternal life from death.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Revelation 22:17

The water of life is the word of God that revives the soul, and the Holy Spirit and the Bride who give the water of life represent God the Father and God the Mother who appear in the last days. Not only God the Father but also God the Mother comes to save Their children who are destined to die due to sin. Just as Solomon found the child's true mother through the wisdom he received from God, God’s people who have received wisdom from God in the last days will recognize not only God the Father but also God the Mother and receive the blessing of the water of life.