1 Kings 3:16

KJV

¶ Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came {H935} there two {H8147} women {H802}, that were harlots {H2181}, unto the king {H4428}, and stood {H5975} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, there came to the king two women who were prostitutes. After presenting themselves to him,

Berean Standard Bible

At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him.

American Standard Version

Then there came two women that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:16 serves as the dramatic opening to the celebrated account of King Solomon's divinely imparted wisdom being put into practical application. This verse immediately introduces a challenging and emotionally charged dispute brought before the newly enthroned monarch by two marginalized women, thereby setting the stage for the first public demonstration of the "understanding heart" that God had graciously bestowed upon him. It is a concise yet powerful introduction to a narrative that would forever define Solomon's reign and establish his legendary reputation for unparalleled discernment and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse follows directly on the heels of one of the most significant moments in Solomon's early reign: his profound prayer at Gibeon and God's subsequent, gracious response. In [1 Kings 3:5-9](/1_kings/3-5 "1 Kings 3:5-9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom"), Solomon humbly requested an "understanding heart to judge your people" rather than riches, long life, or victory over his enemies. God was exceedingly pleased with this selfless request and not only granted him unparalleled wisdom but also promised him riches, honor, and a long life if he walked in God's ways, as detailed in [1 Kings 3:10-14](/1_kings/3-10 "1 Kings 3:10-14 - God's Promise to Solomon"). Verse 16, therefore, is not a random occurrence but the immediate and dramatic fulfillment of God's promise. It is the very first public test of this divinely imparted wisdom, signaling a crucial shift from theological promise to practical demonstration, thereby establishing the narrative arc of Solomon's wise and just reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king served as the ultimate court of appeal, the supreme judge to whom difficult cases, especially those lacking clear evidence or witnesses, would be brought. This system provided a crucial avenue for justice, particularly for the vulnerable who might lack familial or tribal advocacy. The "harlots" mentioned in this verse, while socially marginalized and often without conventional family support, still had the right to seek justice directly from the highest authority. Their presence before the king underscores the expectation that the monarch would be accessible and impartial, upholding the law for all segments of society, a principle deeply rooted in Mosaic law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointment of Judges and Just Decisions")). The nature of their dispute—a claim over a living child—was inherently complex and emotionally charged, making it a perfect scenario to showcase a judge's extraordinary discernment rather than mere legal knowledge.

* **Key Themes:** The introduction of the two women in [1 Kings 3:16](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16 - The Two Harlots") immediately highlights several core themes central to the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly demonstrates **Divine Wisdom in Action**, moving beyond the theoretical promise of [1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom") to its tangible manifestation in a real-life, high-stakes legal dispute. This practical application of God's gift validates Solomon's reign as divinely sanctioned and establishes his reputation. Secondly, the presence of "harlots" underscores the theme of **Justice for the Vulnerable and Marginalized**. In a society where social standing often dictated access to justice, the fact that these women could approach the king directly emphasizes the ideal of impartial justice for all, regardless of their social status or perceived moral standing. Finally, the scene reinforces **The King as Supreme Arbiter of Justice**. Solomon's primary role as the ultimate judge for his people is immediately established, showing that his ability to discern truth and render righteous judgment is foundational to the stability and reputation of his kingdom, fulfilling the very purpose for which he requested an "understanding heart" in [1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for an Understanding Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harlots (Hebrew, _zânâh'_):** This term refers to prostitutes, women engaged in illicit sexual activity. In ancient Israel, such women occupied the lowest rung of society, often lacking family protection, legal standing, or male advocates. Their presence before the king highlights the desperate nature of their situation and the absolute necessity for the king's direct, impartial, and divinely-inspired judgment. It underscores that justice, under Solomon, was theoretically accessible even to the most disenfranchised.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This refers to Solomon, the newly anointed monarch. His role as "king" here is not merely political but judicial and theological. He is the one divinely appointed to rule and judge God's people. The phrase "unto the king, and stood before him" signifies a formal legal proceeding, where the king acts as the supreme court, ready to hear and adjudicate even the most challenging cases presented by any of his subjects.
* **Stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** This primitive root signifies to stand, often in a formal or official capacity, as in presenting oneself before an authority. When combined with "before him" (_pânîym'_), it denotes a formal posture of petition or legal appearance. Their standing "before him" indicates their readiness to present their dispute and await his judgment, emphasizing Solomon's role as the ultimate judicial authority in the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came there two women":** This phrase immediately sets the scene, introducing the protagonists of the upcoming narrative. The "Then" indicates a direct sequence from the preceding divine promise of wisdom, signifying that God's gift is now to be put into action. The arrival of "two women" suggests a dispute between them, requiring an arbiter.
* **"[that were] harlots":** This parenthetical clause provides crucial social context. It identifies the women as prostitutes, immediately signaling their marginalized status in society. This detail is not merely descriptive but highlights the extraordinary nature of their case being brought before the king, emphasizing the impartiality and accessibility of Solomon's court, or at least the ideal that it represented.
* **"unto the king, and stood before him":** This describes the formal presentation of their case. "Unto the king" signifies that they sought the highest legal authority in the land. "And stood before him" indicates a posture of formal petition or legal appearance, ready to present their dispute and await his judgment. This act underscores Solomon's role as the ultimate judicial authority in the land, prepared to render a verdict.

#### Literary Devices
The opening of this narrative in [1 Kings 3:16](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16 - The Two Harlots Before Solomon") employs several effective literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the immediate introduction of a complex dispute involving marginalized figures hints at the extraordinary wisdom Solomon is about to display, fulfilling the divine promise from earlier in the chapter. The stark **Juxtaposition** of the "harlots," representing the lowest social strata, standing "before the king," the highest authority, creates dramatic tension and underscores the theme of impartial justice. Furthermore, the verse acts as a powerful **Narrative Hook**, immediately drawing the reader into a compelling human drama that will serve as the first concrete illustration of Solomon's divinely bestowed gift, making the abstract concept of "wisdom" tangible and relatable. The simplicity of the language belies the profound implications of this initial encounter, setting the stage for a legendary display of discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 3:16](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16 - The Two Harlots Before Solomon") powerfully introduces the theme of divine wisdom in action, demonstrating that God's gifts are not merely theoretical but are intended for practical application in the messy realities of human life and governance. It highlights God's profound concern for justice, particularly for the vulnerable and voiceless, underscoring that true leadership, divinely empowered, extends compassion and equitable judgment to all, regardless of social standing. This narrative also establishes the king as God's chosen instrument for upholding righteousness in the land, a responsibility that demands not just legal knowledge but profound discernment and an understanding heart. The entire episode serves as a testament to the fact that genuine wisdom, sourced from God, leads to righteous judgment and brings glory to His name through its impact on human society.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16 "Instructions for Judges")
* [Psalm 72:1-4](/psalms/72-1 "A Prayer for the King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene introduced in [1 Kings 3:16](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16 - The Two Harlots Before Solomon"), where two marginalized women seek justice from the king, serves as a profound reminder of the importance of accessible and impartial justice for all people, especially those who are vulnerable or lack conventional means of advocacy. For us today, it challenges us to consider how we, individually and collectively, uphold justice in our spheres of influence. Do we listen impartially to all sides of a conflict, particularly when one party may be disadvantaged, misunderstood, or socially marginalized? Are we willing to extend compassion and seek truth even when the circumstances are complex, uncomfortable, or require deep discernment beyond superficial appearances? This narrative encourages us to pray for and pursue wisdom that is not merely intellectual but practical, enabling us to discern truth, make righteous judgments, and act with integrity and empathy in our relationships, workplaces, and communities. It calls us to be agents of God's justice, reflecting His character by seeking to protect the vulnerable and ensure fairness for everyone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's willingness to hear the case of "harlots" challenge our own biases or prejudices when encountering those from marginalized groups?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise divine wisdom and discernment, particularly when mediating disputes or making difficult decisions?**
* **What steps can you take to ensure that justice is more accessible and equitable for those who are vulnerable in your community or sphere of influence?**
* **How does the immediate demonstration of Solomon's wisdom after God's promise encourage you to trust in God's provision for your own needs for discernment in daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why were "harlots" chosen for this story, and what does it signify?**

The choice of "harlots" (Hebrew: _zonah_) in [1 Kings 3:16](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16 - The Two Harlots") is highly significant and intentional. It emphasizes the extreme vulnerability and lack of social standing of the women involved. In ancient Israelite society, prostitutes were often without family protection, legal advocates, or social support, making them among the most marginalized and voiceless. By having such women bring their case directly to the king, the narrative underscores several key points:
* **Accessibility of Justice:** It demonstrates that Solomon's court, ideally, was open to all, regardless of social status or perceived moral standing, highlighting a commitment to impartial justice.
* **Complexity of the Case:** Their lack of societal backing meant there were no external witnesses or powerful advocates, making the case solely dependent on the king's ability to discern truth through divine insight, not just legal precedent or testimony.
* **Divine Wisdom's Scope:** It showcases that God's wisdom granted to Solomon was not just for grand political decisions but for the most intricate and humanly unsolvable disputes among the common, even the lowest, people. It elevates the king's wisdom as truly supernatural and comprehensive.

**What does this story reveal about the nature of justice in ancient Israel?**

The account in [1 Kings 3:16-28](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon's Wise Judgment") reveals that justice in ancient Israel, particularly under a divinely appointed king like Solomon, was ideally meant to be:
* **Accessible:** Even the most marginalized members of society could bring their grievances directly to the highest authority, the king. This was a crucial safeguard for the vulnerable.
* **Impartial:** The king was expected to judge without bias, regardless of the social standing or reputation of the parties involved. The very fact that "harlots" could present their case highlights this ideal, challenging societal norms.
* **Discerning and Truth-Seeking:** Beyond mere legalistic application, the king's role involved discerning the truth where evidence was ambiguous or lacking. This required profound wisdom, insight, and an understanding of human nature, as exemplified by Solomon's clever test.
* **Authoritative and Final:** The king's judgment was ultimate and binding, bringing swift resolution to disputes that might otherwise fester or lead to vigilantism. This established order and stability within the kingdom, as seen in the people's awe and respect for Solomon's judgment in [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - The People's Awe of Solomon's Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Kings 3:16](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16 - The Two Harlots Before Solomon") merely introduces a story of human wisdom, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate wisdom and perfect justice embodied in Jesus Christ. Solomon's divinely gifted discernment, which allowed him to see through deception and render righteous judgment, points forward to the Son of God, who is himself the very **Wisdom of God** (as declared in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")). Jesus, unlike Solomon, does not merely possess wisdom; He *is* wisdom incarnate, perfectly embodying divine truth and understanding. His judgments were never based on clever tests but on perfect knowledge of the human heart and divine truth, as seen in His handling of the woman caught in adultery, where He exposed the hypocrisy of her accusers and offered grace and a call to repentance (see [John 8:1-11](/john/8 "John 8 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery")). Furthermore, Solomon's willingness to hear the case of the marginalized "harlots" prefigures Christ's consistent ministry to the outcasts, the vulnerable, and the sinners of society, demonstrating that His kingdom justice is radically inclusive and compassionate, extending salvation and restoration to all who come to Him, regardless of their past or social standing. The Queen of Sheba marveled at Solomon's wisdom and glory (as recounted in [1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")), but Jesus Himself declared that "something greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - Something Greater Than Solomon")), signifying that the ultimate source of wisdom, perfect justice, and redemptive grace has arrived in His person and work, culminating in His righteous reign as King of kings.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 18:16

When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make [them] know the statutes of God, and his laws.

Numbers 27:2

And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, [by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

Leviticus 19:29

Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.

Deuteronomy 23:17

There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.

Joshua 2:1

¶ And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

Judges 11:1

¶ Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he [was] the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.

Exodus 18:13

¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.