Love And Justice

Then the king said, “Do not kill the child, but give him to the woman who wants him to live, for she is his mother!” [1 Kings 3.27]

The sheer brilliance of Solomon's plan was undeniable. I think there is more to this story though than at first meets the eye.

Solomon's plan wisely utilized the difference between love and justice to determine who the real mother was.

To divide the child equally between the two women was indeed the just decision. Given the facts and their testimonies, dividing the child between the two was the only real option of pure justice. 

The false mother had already lost one child and so losing her claim to the other was of no real consequence to her. This is where love transcended justice as the real mother responded in it (love) by giving up her claim to the child so he could live.

This is a picture of God giving up His rights to His only Son so that He might live - and that we might live in Him. Wow.

In this story, wisdom manifested in justice. Justice revealed love. Love revealed truth. Truth yielded life. Is it any wonder then that wisdom is attributed with creation?

By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. [Proverbs 3.19]

This little story of Solomon's wisdom tells more than most ever grasp. But we are learning!

Father, while I cannot say I understand all that Solomon's story with the two prostitutes reveals, I can say You are giving me more insight... Thank You. Help me to see Your wisdom in creation and every action You have taken since then.