The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this, and so he said to him, “Because you have asked for the wisdom to rule justly, instead of long life for yourself or riches or the death of your enemies, I will do what you have asked. I will give you more wisdom and understanding than anyone has ever had before or will ever have again. I will also give you what you have not asked for: all your life you will have wealth and honor, more than that of any other king. And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life.”
You give us more than we ask or think, Father (Ephesians 3:20-21). Thank you. Please complete the work you’ve started in me (Philippiens 1:6). As for wisdom? Please give me more (James 1:5). Wealth? Only that which serves your purposes (Proverbs 30:7-9). Honor? To you, all the honor and glory (1 Timothy 1:17). Long life? Only enough to complete your purposes. This planet is not my home.
Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream.
Speak; your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:10).
Then King Solomon said, “Each of you claims that the living child is hers and that the dead child belongs to the other one.” He sent for a sword, and when it was brought, he said, “Cut the living child in two and give each woman half of it.”
The real mother, her heart full of love for her son, said to the king, “Please, Your Majesty, don’t kill the child! Give it to her!”
But the other woman said, “Don’t give it to either of us; go on and cut it in two.”
Then Solomon said, “Don’t kill the child! Give it to the first woman—she is its real mother.”
Solomon waited for the sword to arrive to have the maximum effect. He exposed the true motivations of each by his words. Marvelous. How I wish I could do the same, Lord! May you truly transform me (Jeremiah 6:27).
When the people of Israel heard of Solomon’s decision, they were all filled with deep respect for him, because they knew then that God had given him the wisdom to settle disputes fairly.
May you likewise equip me for the tasks you’ve prepared for me, Father, and may I walk on my high places (Habakkuk 3:19).