Solomon the Wise
David's son, Solomon, ruled the kingdom of Israel and lived in the great city of Jerusalem.
One night, Solomon dreamed that God came to him and asked; 'What would you like Me to give you?
Solomon answered; 'I'm very young to be a ruler, and now I have much to learn. I would like You to make me wise so that I can rule your people justly and well.
God was pleased with Solomon's request. 'You could have asked to be very rich and famous, and for the death of all your enemies, said God.
'As you have asked only for wisdom, I will make you the wisest man in the whole world. 'I will also make you rich and famous, and you will live until you are very old.
King Solomon soon became well-known for his wise judgements, and people came to listen to the many wise things he had to say. But he always remembered that his wisdom came from God.
One day two women, one carrying a baby, came to his court to ask for his judgement. The first woman said; 'This woman and I live in the same house.
A few days ago, we both gave birth to babies. This woman's baby died, but she stole my baby during the night, and put her dead baby in my son's place. Now she claims that this baby is hers.
'No, your baby died. This baby is mine. I know he is my child, screamed the second woman. Bring me my sword. King Solomon ordered one his guards.
When the sword was brought. King Solomon said; 'Now, cut the baby in half, and give half to each of these women.
The second woman shouted. 'Yes, kill the baby, then neither of us can have him. But the first woman begged; 'My lord, please don't kill this child. Give it to this woman so that he may live.
King Solomon knew then that this was really the mother, as she would rather give up her child than see him die.
'Give this woman the baby, he ordered, And he sent the two women away. When all the people in Israel heard of this judgement.
They knew that King Solomon's wisdom came from God.
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