Bathsheba asked Solomon if Adonijah could marry Abishag. Solomon became angry at Adonijah's lack of humility and had him killed. Then Solomon removed Abiathar the priest from his duties fulfilling the word of the Lord. (1Sam 2:27-36 Mar 23) Joab heard about the priest and he became so scared that he ran into the tent of the Lord and grabbed hold of the horns on the altar. Joab was eventually killed and buried on his own land. Benaiah was made commander of the army. Then Shimei left town and returned after he promised he would stay put, so he had to die.
Solomon married Pharaoh's daughter, forming an alliance with Egypt. He brought his bride to Jerusalem until his palace and the temple were completed. The people still made their sacrifices at the high places. So Solomon went up to the high places to make his sacrifices too. One night while Solomon was sleeping, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask Him for whatever he wanted. Solomon told God that he didn't feel as if he was wise enough for such a daunting task as to lead so many people, so he asked God for wisdom. His lack of selfish desire pleased God and He granted Solomon's request.
Later, two prostitutes came before Solomon wanting him to settle their dispute. The two ladies lived in the same house and both had baby boys at the same time. One night while sleeping one of them rolled over on her baby and smothered it. She switched the dead baby with the living one before the other woman woke up. In the morning the woman with the dead baby knew it was not her son and she wanted him back, but the other woman wouldn't hand him over. Solomon ordered a sword and then ordered the living child to be cut in half so they could share the child. The boy's mother told Solomon to give her son to the other woman, but the other woman told Solomon to go ahead and cut him in two. Then the king gave his ruling, he said to give the baby to the woman who wanted the baby's life spared, because she was the real mother. Solomon's reputation grew when the Israelites heard about his wisdom.
Solomon had help in governing Israel. He had many officials, priests, and servants. There were also 12 district governors who were in charge of the tribes and providing the palace with provisions.
Tomorrow read 1Kings 4:20-7:39
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