1 Kings 3:28

KJV

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all Israel {H3478} heard {H8085} of the judgment {H4941} which the king {H4428} had judged {H8199}; and they feared {H3372} the king {H6440}: for they saw {H7200} that the wisdom {H2451} of God {H430} was in him {H7130}, to do {H6213} judgment {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All Isra'el heard of the decision the king had made and held the king in awe, for they saw that God's wisdom was in him, enabling him to render justice properly.

Berean Standard Bible

When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice.

American Standard Version

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do justice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 3:28 powerfully concludes the narrative of Solomon's Solomonic judgment, revealing the immediate and profound impact of his divinely-granted wisdom on the people of Israel. This verse highlights the widespread recognition among the populace that Solomon's discernment in the complex case of the two harlots was not merely human cleverness but a direct manifestation of God's presence and power within him. Consequently, the people developed a deep reverence and awe for their king, acknowledging his legitimate authority as rooted in divine wisdom and his capacity to administer righteous judgment for the nation's well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to the celebrated account of Solomon's judgment between the two harlots over a living child, detailed in [1 Kings 3:16-27](/1_kings/3-16 "1 Kings 3:16-27 - Solomon's Judgment of the Two Harlots"). Immediately preceding this pivotal event, Solomon had journeyed to Gibeon and, in a profound encounter with God, had not asked for riches or long life, but for an "understanding heart to judge thy people" ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")). God had graciously granted this request, promising him a wisdom unparalleled among kings ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise of Unparalleled Wisdom to Solomon")). Thus, [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Israel's Recognition of Solomon's Divine Wisdom") stands as the direct fulfillment and public validation of God's promise, demonstrating the practical outworking of divine wisdom in Solomon's reign and solidifying his authority in the eyes of the entire nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern kingship, the king's primary roles included military leadership, religious oversight, and, crucially, the administration of justice. A king's ability to discern truth and render fair judgments was paramount for maintaining social order, ensuring the well-being of his subjects, and legitimizing his rule. For Israel, this expectation was heightened by the understanding that their king was God's anointed representative. Therefore, Solomon's judicial acumen was not merely a personal trait but a public demonstration of God's active presence and blessing upon his chosen monarch. The "fear" mentioned in the verse signifies a profound respect and awe, akin to reverence for divinely appointed authority, rather than mere terror, reflecting the cultural understanding of a king's sacred and divinely ordained role in society.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Israel's Recognition of Solomon's Divine Wisdom") is the **Divine Wisdom in Leadership**. Solomon's extraordinary ability to resolve the complex dispute is explicitly attributed to "the wisdom of God," showcasing that true leadership, especially in Israel, derived its efficacy and legitimacy from divine enablement. This leads to the theme of **Awe and Respect for God-Given Authority**, as "all Israel... feared the king," signifying their deep reverence and trust in his divinely-backed rule, a response to the manifest presence of God. Finally, the verse underscores **Justice as a Foundation of Kingship**. Solomon's first major public act after receiving God's promise of wisdom was to administer justice, establishing a precedent for his reign and demonstrating that righteous judgment was indispensable for the stability and prosperity of the nation, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - A King by Justice Establishes the Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** The Hebrew word חָכְמָה (H2451, _chokmâh_) refers to more than mere intellectual knowledge. It denotes practical skill, insight, and discernment, particularly in ethical, moral, and judicial matters. It is the ability to apply truth effectively, to make sound judgments, and to govern wisely. In this context, it is explicitly qualified as "the wisdom of God," indicating its divine origin and supernatural quality, distinguishing it from human cleverness or accumulated experience.
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** The verb יָרֵא (H3372, _yârêʼ_) encompasses a range of meanings from terror to profound reverence and awe. Here, it signifies a deep respect and submission born out of recognition of Solomon's divine endowment. It is not a servile dread but an acknowledgment of his unique authority and the manifest presence of God's power in him, leading to willing obedience and confidence in his rule.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** The noun מִשְׁפָּט (H4941, _mishpâṭ_) refers to a legal decision, a verdict, justice, or the act of judging. It implies the process of discerning truth, applying law, and rendering a righteous decision. In [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Solomon's Wisdom Recognized"), it highlights Solomon's primary function as king—to administer justice fairly and wisely, ensuring order and equity within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged;":** This clause emphasizes the widespread publicity and profound impact of Solomon's verdict. The story of the two harlots and the living child was not a private affair but became public knowledge, demonstrating the king's judicial prowess to the entire nation. The repetition of "judgment" (referring to both the act of judging and its righteous outcome) underscores its centrality to the narrative and Solomon's foundational role as the dispenser of justice.
* **"and they feared the king:":** This signifies the immediate and profound response of the people. Their "fear" indicates a deep reverence, awe, and respect for Solomon's authority. It implies that his legitimacy as king was firmly established in their minds, not through military might or political maneuvering, but through a clear, undeniable demonstration of divine favor and wisdom in his most fundamental duty.
* **"for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.":** This final clause provides the crucial theological explanation for the people's reaction. Their "seeing" implies a clear, undeniable recognition, a perception that went beyond mere observation. They understood that Solomon's extraordinary discernment was not merely human talent but a direct, tangible manifestation of God's own wisdom residing within him. This divine endowment empowered him specifically "to do judgment," linking his supernatural gift directly to his practical and essential role as a just ruler for the benefit of his people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Divine Endorsement** is central, as the public reaction serves as God's affirmation of Solomon's reign, validating his prayer for wisdom and God's subsequent promise. The phrase "all Israel heard" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread and unanimous nature of the recognition, underscoring the king's immediate and universal acceptance and the profound impact of his judgment. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing**, as this initial display of wisdom and justice sets the tone for Solomon's early reign, hinting at the prosperity and stability that would characterize his kingdom when he walked in God's ways, even as it subtly contrasts with later deviations from divine wisdom. Finally, the verse uses **Metonymy** where "wisdom of God" stands for the divine presence and power itself, indicating that God was actively working through Solomon, making His presence manifest through the king's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Israel's Recognition of Solomon's Divine Wisdom") is a profound theological statement about the nature of true leadership and the source of genuine wisdom. It demonstrates that effective governance, especially among God's covenant people, is not merely a matter of human intellect or political skill, but fundamentally relies on divine enablement. Solomon's wisdom is portrayed as a direct gift from God, intended for the practical purpose of administering justice and ensuring the well-being of the nation. This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs and His desire for righteous rule among His people. The people's fear (reverence) of the king is a natural outflow of their recognition of God's presence in him, underscoring the principle that legitimate authority is ultimately derived from and sustained by God.

* [Proverbs 8:15-16](/proverbs/8-15-16 "Proverbs 8:15-16 - Wisdom as the Foundation of Rule")
* [Isaiah 11:2-4](/isaiah/11-2-4 "Isaiah 11:2-4 - The Spirit of Wisdom on the Messiah")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound impact of Solomon's divinely-granted wisdom in [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Israel's Recognition of Solomon's Divine Wisdom") offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that true effectiveness in any sphere of influence, whether in leadership, family, or personal decisions, originates not from our own cleverness but from a humble reliance on God's wisdom. Like Solomon, we are called to prioritize seeking God's guidance above all else, especially when faced with complex dilemmas that seem to defy human resolution. The "fear" of the king, understood as reverence and trust, challenges us to consider how our own lives, when lived in alignment with God's wisdom and justice, can inspire confidence and respect in others, pointing them to the divine source of our actions. This verse encourages us to pray for wisdom, to trust in God's providence to work through us, and to recognize that righteous judgment and integrity are foundational to building healthy relationships and communities, reflecting God's character in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need God's wisdom to "do judgment" or make discerning decisions?**
* **How does the recognition of God's wisdom in a leader or an individual impact your trust and respect for them?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater reliance on God's wisdom in your daily life, rather than solely on your own understanding?**
* **How might a commitment to administering justice and truth in your sphere of influence bring about greater peace and stability, mirroring Solomon's impact?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "all Israel heard" and "feared the king"? Was it fear of punishment?**

Answer: The phrase "all Israel heard" signifies that the news of Solomon's extraordinary judgment quickly spread throughout the entire nation, becoming a widely recognized and celebrated event. This wasn't merely local gossip but a public validation of his kingship. The term "feared the king" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) in this context does not primarily mean terror or dread of punishment. Instead, it conveys a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect. The people recognized that Solomon's wisdom was not merely human but divine, a direct manifestation of God's presence and power within him. This realization inspired a deep veneration for his divinely appointed authority, leading to willing submission and confidence in his ability to rule justly. It was a fear born of wonder and recognition of God's hand, rather than a servile fear.

**How was Solomon's wisdom different from ordinary human intelligence or experience?**

Answer: Solomon's wisdom, as described in [1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Solomon's Wisdom Recognized"), was explicitly identified as "the wisdom of God." This distinguishes it fundamentally from mere human intelligence, accumulated knowledge, or practical experience, though it certainly included and transcended these. The key difference lies in its source and quality:
* **Divine Origin:** It was a direct, supernatural gift from God, granted in response to Solomon's humble prayer for an "understanding heart to judge" ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")).
* **Unparalleled Nature:** God promised that no one before or after him would possess such wisdom ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God's Promise of Unparalleled Wisdom")).
* **Practical Application:** It was not abstract knowledge but a profound discernment that enabled him to "do judgment," meaning to apply truth effectively in complex, real-life situations, leading to righteous and just outcomes. It was an intuitive insight into the human heart and the ability to uncover hidden truths, as demonstrated in the case of the two harlots.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 3:28](/1_kings/3-28 "1 Kings 3:28 - Israel's Recognition of Solomon's Divine Wisdom"), showcasing Solomon's divinely endowed wisdom and righteous judgment, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King of Israel, Jesus Christ. While Solomon's wisdom was a gift given *to* him, Christ *is* the very embodiment of God's wisdom, "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")). The Queen of Sheba marveled at Solomon's wisdom, yet Jesus declared, "a greater than Solomon is here" ([Matthew 12:42](/matthew/12-42 "Matthew 12:42 - A Greater Than Solomon")). Solomon's ability to discern truth and administer justice, inspiring awe and respect, points to Christ's perfect and infallible judgment, through whom "the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - All Judgment Given to the Son")). Furthermore, the people's "fear" (reverence) for Solomon because of the "wisdom of God in him" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church's worship and submission to Christ, who is "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Solomon's reign, established on wisdom and justice, was a temporal kingdom; Christ's kingdom, founded on His eternal wisdom and perfect righteousness, is everlasting, bringing true peace and order to all who submit to His rule ([Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Prince of Peace")).

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

1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

1 Kings 3:12

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

Daniel 2:47

The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Colossians 2:3

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Ecclesiastes 7:19

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] which are in the city.

Daniel 2:21

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: