Solomon
(c.973–c.933 BC)

Solomon
Giuseppe Cades: Judgement of Solomon, late 18th century

Oil on canvas; Royal Academy of Arts, London, 03/3602

Anecdote...

Two prostitutes living alone in the same house had babies within three days of each other. One baby died, and its mother stole the other while the mother slept, substituting the corpse of her own baby. Although the other woman noticed the deception, the first woman refused to relinquish the baby. So they came before King Solomon, each claiming that the living child was hers. The king commanded his officers to bring a sword and when it was brought, ordered: "Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other."

The rightful mother, stirred with love and pity for her child, said, "Please, my Lord, give her the living child—please do not kill it!"

The other woman, however, said, "It shall be neither mine nor yours. Divide it!"

The king then answered, "Give the first one the living child! By no means kill it, for she is the mother."

[This is among the most famous judgments in Western history.]


Biographical Note...

King of Israel, the second son of David by his wife Bathsheba, and the acknowledged favorite of his father. He is renowned for having built the first temple at Jerusalem
Solomon's Temple

Solomon's Temple (also known as the First Temple) was, according to the Torah and the Bible, the first Jewish temple in Jerusalem. It functioned as a religious focal point for worship and the sacrifices known as the korbanot in ancient Judaism. The temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

 and for his wealth, his writings and his great wisdom, which became legendary.


More Information...

The above anecdote is taken from 1 Kings 3:16-27. Find out more about Solomon.