⛰️the high hill of Gibeon💭a dream🦉a wise heart🏡one house👶a baby
Solomon's story.
The big ideaThe Bible tells how Solomon asked for a wise heart, and God gave it.
How it works
The Bible tells how young King Solomon, the son of King David, lived in Jerusalem. In those days a king was also the judge, so people brought their problems to him.
One day Solomon went up to the high hill of Gibeon with gifts. That night God spoke to him in a dream, and Solomon asked for a wise and understanding heart.
He did not ask for gold or a long life. God was pleased, and promised him riches and honor too.
Later, two women who lived in the same house each said that the living baby was hers. Solomon listened to both, and he knew who the mother was.
What Solomon asked for, and what he left out.The test of the two women.
Example 1: What did Solomon ask for?
Read the dream part of the story.
Solomon could ask for anything, and he asked for a wise and understanding heart.
He did not ask for gold, and he did not ask for a long life.
Example 2: Listen to both sides
Two women both said the baby was hers.
Solomon did not just pick one. He listened to the first woman, and then he listened to the second.
A wise child listens to both sides before choosing.
Example 3: Who cared most?
The first woman begged the king to give the baby to the other woman, if only the baby could be safe.
The second woman folded her arms.
Solomon knew the mother was the one who wanted the baby kept safe.
Example 4: Put it in order
First Solomon went to Gibeon, and then God spoke in a dream.
Then Solomon asked for a wise heart.
Later the two women came, and last of all the first woman held her baby.
Words to know
wisdom
Knowing what is fair and kind, and doing it.
judge
A person who listens and decides what is fair.
altar
A heap of stones where people brought gifts and prayed.
Watch out
Solomon asked for a wise heart. He did not ask for gold or a long life.
The first woman begged for the baby to be given away so he would be safe. The second woman folded her arms.
Wisdom in the story means knowing what is fair and kind, and doing it.
Solomon lived in Jerusalem. Gibeon was the high hill he went up to with gifts.
Try it
What did Solomon ask for?
In those days, who was the judge?
What did the first woman want for the baby?
Two friends want one swing. What does a wise child do?
Answers: 1. A wise and understanding heart · 2. The king · 3. To keep him safe · 4. Listens to both
Try at homeWith a grown-up, talk about what it means to be wise. Who do you know who listens well and chooses kindly?
For grown-upsThe story ends with the question of what a wise child does. Let your child answer in their own words, and find one time this week to listen to both sides.
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