Today I read 1 Kings 3, in which Solomon’s prayer for wisdom is granted and Solomon made a wise decision that saved a baby. Today I considered we should give to God before and after receiving a blessing, and God showed Solomon’s wisdom to the people in his saving the baby by showing which woman had the love of a mother for the child.
Offering to God First and Last
Solomon gave to God before making a request and after receiving his request (1 Kings 3:2-15). When Solomon first became king, a person sacrificing to God in high places was normal because there was no house for the Lord. Solomon offered 1,000 burnt offerings to God in the great high place in Gibeon. God came to Solomon in a dream and said He would give Solomon whatever he asked. Solomon acknowledged God blessing his father David and now Solomon who has a lot of people under his responsibility. Solomon asked for understanding to judge the people and to know good from bad. God was pleased at Solomon’s request. God granted Solomon’s request along with giving him riches and honor, and promising to lengthen his days if he follows God. Solomon woke up and went to Jerusalem in front of the Ark of the Covenant and offered more offerings and then made a feast for his servants. We should remember to praise and give to God before we are blessed and after any blessing we receive.
Mothers Protect Their Children
God granted Solomon the wisdom to test the women and to know that a real mother would protect her child (1 Kings 3:16-28). Two women harlots living in the same house had a baby within days of each other. One of the babies died. The women were both arguing that the baby still alive was theirs. Solomon offered to split the living baby in two with a sword and give each woman half. One woman said cut the baby in two. The other woman said spare the baby, give it to the woman. Solomon decided the mother of the baby was the woman that asked to spare the child’s life. God showed everyone the wisdom he had given to Solomon through Solomon’s judgment of which woman protected the child.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Have you ever heard the phrase “don’t mess with a mother’s child”? When I think of this situation I think of how this real mother probably fought with the other woman to keep the living child in her arms. Then while standing before king Solomon experienced the fear of not only losing her child but the child being killed in front of her. She had enough love she was willing to hand over her child to save the baby.
What have you seen a mother do to protect her child?