Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 3:9
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... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 3:11
And God said unto him. Because thou hast asked this thing and hast not asked for thyself long life [Heb. many days ] ; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life [ i.e; destruction in battle] of thine enemies [not so much personal enemies, like Hadad and Rezon, (Rawlinson) as military foes. The meaning is explained by the corresponding word, "honour" ( כָבוֹד glory ) in verse 13]; but hast asked [The word is repeated, according to Hebrew usage, now for... read more