1 Kings 3:9

Give therefore thy servant an understanding [Heb. hearing. Cf. verse 11 (Heb. "to hear judgment.") The idea is not docility, as the Vulg. ( cor docile ) , but discrimination, penetration. Cf. 2 Samuel 14:17 (Heb.); Philippians 1:9 , Philippians 1:10 (marg.)] heart [ i.e; a judicial mind. The "hearing heart" was desired, not that it might "give heed to the law" (Keil), but to qualify him] to Judge thy people [The Hebrew king, like most ancient monarchs, was supreme judge as well as governor ("prince and judge," Exodus 5:14 ; and cf. Exodus 18:16 ). The Jews desired a king that he might judge them ( 1 Samuel 8:5 ). Their rulers so far had been purely "Judges" ( שֹׁפְטִים ; compare the Carthaginian name, suffetes. ) When they desired one who should, lead their armies, they still put his judicial functions in the first place ( loc . cit. verse 20). And what were the duties of a king in this respect, Absalom's words ( 2 Samuel 15:4 ) show. In verses 16-28 we see Solomon sitting as Chief Justice], that I may discern between good and bad [ i.e; right and wrong, true and false; cf. Hebrews 5:14 ): for who is able to judge this thy so great [Heb. heavy, i.e; numerous; compare graves greges ] a people. [The number of the Israelites at this period is referred to in 1 Kings 4:20 .]