Solomon's Decision With Respect to the Mother of the Child

    God determined to impress the people of Israel with a high opinion of the wisdom of Solomon in the beginning of his reign. But how was this to be effected? Providence provided the occasion. A dispute arose between two persons, of a very perplexing nature, as to which of them was the mother of a child which each of them claimed. There was no witness of the matter but themselves, and they were both equally confident in their assertion of their right. Solomon's plan for finding out the true mother is well known, and will ever be admired, as the highest specimen of the knowledge of human nature, promptness in inventing expedients, and sound judicial discrimination. But the Providence of the Lord in the matter, I think, has been generally overlooked or neglected. In this affair we are not only called to contemplate the gift of God in the wisdom of Solomon, but the direction of Providence on the occasion of displaying that wisdom. For the purpose of making a favourable impression on the people, what would it have signified that Solomon had actually possessed such wisdom, had not an opportunity of manifesting it occurred to him at the proper time? The dispute, then, be tween these two harlots was not a fortunate accident, but was a wisely directed Providence. This is another proof that things which to us are purely accidental, are essential parts of a Divine plan in the government of God. This is another instance in which Providence makes use even of the wickedness of men to fulfil his purposes. The falsehood and wicked purpose of this cruel woman were employed by Providence to display the wisdom of his servant Solomon. Deep and incomprehensible are thy counsels, O thou unsearchable Jehovah! Instead of scrutinizing thy ways as censors of thy conduct, let us admire, and submissively adore. Who shall successfully contend with the Almighty?