The Dream at Gibeon: Solomon's Wisdom and His Judgment

Early in his reign Solomon went up to Gibeon, where the Tabernacle stood, and offered a thousand burnt offerings. That night God appeared to him in a dream: "Ask what I shall give you."

The young king's answer is one of the most famous passages in the Bible. He asked for neither long life, nor wealth, nor the death of his enemies. He said: I am a small boy who does not know how to go out or come in, and Your people are too many to count; give Your servant a lev shomea — a listening heart — to judge Your people. And he was told: because you asked for this, I give you a wise and understanding heart such as there has never been; and what you did not ask for, riches and honour, I give you too.

The test came quickly. Two women who shared a house each claimed the same living child; no witnesses, no evidence. Solomon ordered a sword brought to cut the child in two. One woman agreed. The other cried: give her the living child, only do not kill him! And the king said: she is the mother.

Israel "stood in awe of the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice."