the son of the third day

the narrative

On Sunday, December 28, I spoke about the well-known Bible story from which the name “Solomon’s judgment” is derived. The recorded narrative (1Kings 3:16-28), in brief, is as follows: A woman challenges another woman, before King Solomon, with the accusation that she had stolen her living son. She herself had given birth to a son, and on the third day the other woman, as well. They lived together in one house. The plaintiff claimed that the other woman, during the night had lain on her child, so that it had died. And when she discovered this (according to the plaintiff), she swapped her dead baby with the living baby, while she, herself, slept. When getting up the next morning, she stated not to recognize the dead son. But the other woman denied the accusation. When King Solomon was listening to the yes-no argument, he decided to cut the living child in two and give a half to each of the mothers. But upon hearing the verdict, the mother-heart began to speak, and the mother of the living child cried that then it would be better to give her son away to the other woman. And so King Solomon got to know who the real mother was. The sword did not divide the living son, but did divide truth and falsehood!

suspicion…

There is one detail in the story of the plaintiff, in which she loaded suspicion on herself of being a false witness. Namely, she stated that she and the other woman were alone in the house with their sons, without any witnesses. But if it was true that she herself was asleep, how could she know that the other woman had lain on her child and that, on account of it, the baby had died? She testified to something, that by definition, she could not know.

a stolen Jesus

In the above mentioned study, I have especially pointed out the deeper meaning of this narrative. It refers, on the one hand, to Him who was killed by his country people, in ignorance (Acts 3:17), and on the other hand, to the son of “the third day”, the living son. As the plaintiff accused the other of stealing at night, so accused the leaders of the Jewish people the disciples of having stolen Jesus, while they slept (Mat.28:13). An identical charge. But the sword brought the truth to light! The sword is a picture of the Word of God, which is quick and powerful, and dividing asunder the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb.4:12).

a historical narrative comes to life

This well-known narrative speaks of Christ, how could it be otherwise? The Firstborn who was slain and the Son of the third day who arose. By this referencing, this historical narrative really comes to life! Because it testifies of Him who was invulnerable to death. The true “Son of David” who is “more than Solomon” (Mat.12:42). By referring to the slain and living Son, He brings the “wisdom of God” to light (1Kings 3:28, cp.1 Cor.2:7). A wisdom through which Israel will come to recognition.  When, in the future, He will appear to the people and they will see whom they have pierced, they will mourn over Him “as over a firstborn” (Zech.12:10). But He will prove to be “the living Son” of “the third day!

Delen: