Original Broadcast: October 2009
Monthly Theme: King Solomon
And the king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other."
(1 Kings 3:25)
In one of the most popular stories of Solomon's wisdom, two prostitutes come before him. They're suing each other for the custody of one of their children. Both had children but one rolled over on top of hers and crushed it to death. She then switched the babies in the middle of the night. The other found out and they went to court.
In a spark of divine wisdom, Solomon saw a way to get right to the heart of the matter. Both women claimed the living child to be theirs. He ordered a sword to be brought and the child split in half. Both women would get half. Of course, the real mother stopped the proceedings and said to give the baby to the other woman. Solomon awarded the giving mother custody of the child.
It wasn't just common sense that brought Solomon to this solution. It was truly wisdom from above. From that time on, "all Israel ... stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of OGd was in him to do justice" (v28). Solomon's wisdom became legendary. This wisdom compiled the book of Proverbs at his hand. This wisdom made there be no world ruler like Solomon in all of recorded history. This wisdom is also available to you if you make God's Word available to your heart and soul. This wisdom brings you Jesus. This wisdom brings you the forgiveness of all your sins at His Word. May you seek this wisdom today. Amen.
