Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 3 - Verse 26

This verse, from the book of 1 Kings in the Old Testament, tells the story of two women who come before King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of a baby. One of the women had accidentally smothered her own child while sleeping and switched the babies, trying to claim the living child as her own. When King Solomon suggests cutting the child in half to settle the dispute, one woman is willing to let the child live, even if it means giving him to the other woman. This display of selflessness and love for the child reveals the true mother, as her maternal instincts compel her to protect the child at all costs. The other woman, in contrast, is more concerned with getting her fair share rather than the well-being of the child. This story is often cited as an example of King Solomon's wisdom and ability to discern the truth in difficult situations.

The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the contrasting actions and motives of the two women claiming to be the mother of the living child. The woman whose the living child was displayed a selfless love for her son, as her "bowels yearned upon her son," revealing her deep maternal instinct and desire to protect him at all costs. In her plea to the king, she asked for the child to be spared from death, even if it meant losing custody. On the other hand, the second woman demonstrated a selfish and callous attitude, suggesting that the child be divided rather than belong to either of them. This contrast highlights the heart of a true mother, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the well-being of her child, while exposing the lack of compassion and empathy in the deceiver. Word studies on key terms like "bowels" and "divide" further deepen the understanding of the emotional depth and consequences of the women's actions in this biblical narrative.