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    1 Kings 3 (KJV)

    Read 1 Kings chapter 3 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    1 Kings 3

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    1 Kings 3:9

    "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge t…"

    1 Kings 3:5

    "In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: …"

    1 Kings 3:12

    "Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given…"

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    1 Kings 3 Summary

    1 Kings 3 records Solomon's famous prayer for wisdom at Gibeon. When God offers Solomon anything he desires, the young king humbly asks for 'an understanding heart' to judge God's people—a request that pleases the LORD so much that He grants wisdom along with riches and honor.

    The chapter immediately demonstrates Solomon's supernatural wisdom through the case of two women claiming the same baby. Solomon's shrewd proposal to divide the living child exposes the true mother's identity, and all Israel recognizes that divine wisdom guides their king.

    Key Themes

    WisdomHumility before GodJust judgmentGod's generous givingDiscernment

    Key Verses in 1 Kings 3

    "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad."

    — 1 Kings 3:9

    Solomon's humble, others-focused request reveals true wisdom even before it was granted.

    "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."

    — 1 Kings 3:12

    God's response exceeds Solomon's request—a principle Jesus later taught (Matthew 6:33).

    "And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him."

    — 1 Kings 3:28

    Demonstrates that godly wisdom produces just outcomes that inspire reverence.

    Life Application

    Solomon's prayer teaches us to prioritize wisdom above wealth, status, or personal comfort. James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to all who ask. The fact that God added riches and honor to Solomon's request illustrates Jesus' principle: seek first the kingdom, and the rest will follow.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did Solomon pray at Gibeon?

    The tabernacle and bronze altar were at Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:3), making it the primary worship center before the Jerusalem temple was built. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings there.

    Was Solomon the wisest person ever?

    God declared no one before or after Solomon would match his wisdom (among kings). Jesus later said 'a greater than Solomon is here' (Matthew 12:42), pointing to His own divine wisdom.

    Read the full summary of 1 Kings

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