(b) Give three ways Solomon's request was tested and proved. [3 marks]
Explanation
(a) 1 Kings 3:5 - 28
(i) God appeared to Solomon in a dream by night at Gibeon and asked him to request what he wanted God to do for him.
(ii) Solomon asked God to give him an understanding heart to be able to govern his numerous people.
(iii) He wanted wisdom to be able to discern between good and evil.
(iv) God was pleased with Solomon's request, that hd did not ask for long life, riches or his enemies life.
(v) God gave Solomon a wise and discerning mind, above all before and after him.
(vi) In addition, God also gave Solomon riches and honour above every other man under the earth.
(vii) If Solomon would keep God's statues and commandments like his father, David, God would lengthen his days.
(viii) Solomon woke from dream, came to Jerusalem, stood before the Ark of God and offered burnt and peace offerings.
(ix) He made feast for all his servants.
(b) How Solomon's wisdom was tested:
(i) Two harlots, living together, gave birth to sons together, but one slept on hers and he died.
(ii) They wanted Solomon to settle their tussle over the rightful owner of the living baby.
(iii) King Solomon, in his wisdom, ordered that the living child be divided into two and give half to one, and half to the other.
(iv) The woman whose child was alive protested the judgement.
(vi) But the other applauded it saying, "It shall be neither mine nor yours, divide it".
(vii) King solomon then ruled that the living child be given to the first woman.
(viii) When Israel heard of the King's judgement, they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him.