SEV Biblia, Chapter 3:16
¶ En aquella sazón vinieron dos mujeres rameras al rey, y se presentaron delante de él.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 3:16
Verse 16. Then came there two women-harlots] The word ywnz zonoth, which we here, and in some other places, improperly translate harlots, is by the Chaldee (the best judge in this case) rendered yqdnwp pundekayan, tavern-keepers. (See on Joshua ii. 1.) If these had been harlots, it is not likely they would have dared to appear before Solomon; and if they had been common women, it is not likely they would have had children; nor is it likely that such persons would have been permitted under the reign of David. Though there is no mention of their husbands, it is probable they might have been at this time in other parts, following their necessary occupations; and the settling the present business could not have been delayed till their return; the appeal to justice must be made immediately.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 16. Then came there two women [that] were harlots unto the king , etc.] The same day, as Abarbinel thinks, the night before which the Lord had appeared to Solomon; this came to pass through the providence of God, that there should be immediately an instance and proof of the wisdom and understanding the Lord had given to Solomon; these women, according to the Targum, were victuallers or inn keepers; and so Ben Gersom thinks they were sellers of food, as Rahab; though he observes it is possible they might, prostitute themselves: this may be said in their favour, that common prostitutes do not usually bear children, or, when they do, take no care of them, have no affection for them, and much less are fond of them, as these seem to be; but, on the other hand, no mention being made of their husbands, and living together in one house, and alone, and being impudent, brawling, and litigious, give great suspicion of the truth of the character they bear in our version and others: and stood before him ; to lay their case before him, and each plead their own cause; it may be, it had been tried in another court before, and could not be determined, and so was brought to the king; and, if so, the wisdom of Solomon was the more conspicuous, in deciding it in the manner he did.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 16-28 - An instance of Solomon's wisdom is given. Notice the difficulty of the case. To find out the true mother, he could not try which the chil loved best, and therefore tried which loved the child best: the mother's sincerity will be tried, when the child is in danger. Le parents show their love to their children, especially by taking care of their souls, and snatching them as brands out of the burning. By thi and other instances of the wisdom with which God endued him, Solomo had great reputation among his people. This was better to him tha weapons of war; for this he was both feared and loved __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
אז 227 תבאנה 935 שׁתים 8147 נשׁים 802 זנות 2185 אל 413 המלך 4428 ותעמדנה 5975 לפניו׃ 6440
