1 Kings 3:9

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart, to judge thy people, etc.] Not an understanding of things spiritual, nor of things natural, though both were given him, but of things political, what related to the civil government, that he might be able to judge or rule the people of Israel in the best manner: that I may discern between good and bad; not merely between moral good and evil, of which he had a discernment; but between right and wrong in any case or controversy that came before him between man and man, that so he might be able to pass a right sentence, and do justice to every one: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? who are so very numerous, and have so many…”

“One of the chief functions of the Oriental monarch is always to hear and decide causes. Hence, supreme magistrates were naturally called “judges.” (See the introduction to the Book of Judges.) In the minds of the Jews the “judge” and the “prince” were always closely associated, the direct cognisance of causes being constantly taken by their chief civil governors. (See Exodus 2:14; Exodus 18:16, Exo 18:22; 1 Samuel 8:20; 2 Samuel 15:2-6.) Good and bad - i. e. “right and wrong,” “justice and injustice.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“An understanding heart - Whereby I may both clearly discern, and faithfully perform all the parts of my duty: for both these are spoken of in scripture, as the effects of a good understanding; and he that lives in the neglect of his duties, or the practice of wickedness, is called a fool, and one void of understanding. Discern - Namely in causes and controversies among my people; that I may not through mistake, or prejudice, or passion, give wrong sentences, and call evil good, or good evil. Absalom, that was a fool, wished himself a judge: Solomon, that was a wise man, trembles at the undertaking. The more knowing and considerate men are, the more jealous they are of themselves. 3 Kings (1…”

“Give therefore: Ch1 22:12, Ch1 29:19; Ch2 1:10; Psa 119:34, Psa 119:73, Psa 119:144; Pro 2:3-9, Pro 3:13-18; Pro 16:16; Jam 1:5, Jam 3:17 understanding: Heb. hearing, Pro 20:12 to judge: Kg1 3:28; Psa 72:1, Psa 72:2; Pro 14:8; Ecc 7:11, Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:15-18; Joh 5:30 discern: Sa2 14:17; Isa 11:2-4; Co1 2:14, Co1 2:15; Eph 5:17; Phi 1:10 \*Gr: Heb 5:14 who is able: Exo 3:11, Exo 3:12, Exo 4:10-13; Jer 1:6; Mat 3:11, Mat 3:14; Co2 2:16, Co2 3:5 3 Kings (1 Kings) 3:10”