I'm immediately fascinated by King Solomon. On the one hand, as evinced by the events of the previous chapter, Solomon seems ruthless, even brutal. It seems as though he will rule with an iron fist. Yet in Chapter 3, he acknowledges his youth and inexperience, and confides to God that he needs help, he needs the wisdom necessary to rule rightly. That acknowledgment alone bespeaks a noble maturity in the young Solomon. Of all the things he could have wished for, he chooses wisdom, which pleases God. It shows Solomon as someone willing to listen.
My commentary notes that Solomon proved to be interested in nature and the art of governance. His wisdom was nearly unmatched it seems in all Biblical history. These things automatically set Solomon apart, and I'm curious to see how such a king will rule over his people, and more importantly how it will impact Solomon's relationship with God. At this point, it seems he acknowledges his lower place compared to God and that he needs to rely on God in order to be a truly good king. These things elicit hope that Solomon will be a wise and magnanimous king.
The lesson at the end of Chapter 3, of the two harlots arguing over whose baby is whose, famously illustrates Solomon's wisdom at work. It's a well known tale, but though it might seem simple at first, there are layers to its lesson. It evokes the goodness of the true mother and the malice of the bad one. It's crafty and cunning. It's the judgement of a wise and beneficent ruler who seeks to reward the good and punish the evil. Solomon exhibits mercy and justice, an example of God's perfect Mercy and Justice.
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