Solomon Asks for Wisdom

"And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter." The people sacrifice at high places, "because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD." At Gibeon, "the great high place," Solomon offers a thousand burnt offerings.

"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee." "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in… Give therefore thy servant an understanding [listening, shomea] heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad." "Because thou… hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches… lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart… And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour."

Two prostitutes come before the king. Each had a baby; one died in the night, and each claims the living child. "Bring me a sword… Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other." The true mother: "O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it." The other: "Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it." "Give her the living child… she is the mother thereof." "And all Israel… feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment."

Pharaoh's daughter

A marriage to an Egyptian princess would be remarkable: the Amarna letters record pharaohs refusing to send their daughters to foreign kings. Some scholars think 10th-century Egypt, weaker, might have done so; others doubt it. The pharaoh is unnamed; Siamun and Psusennes II are proposed. The site does not name any Egyptian woman as Solomon's wife.

Royal dreams

Kings received divine revelations in dreams in Egypt (the Sphinx Stele of Thutmose IV) and Mesopotamia. Solomon's request echoes the ideal of the just king who listens.

Gibeon

Gibeon (el-Jib) is securely identified; the "great high place" is often placed at Nebi Samwil nearby, a proposal.