Bamos
What are Bamos?
Personal altars (to bring korbanos)
Who did Shlomo marry, and why was it phrased oddly in the psukim?
Bas pharoh, phrased as if he was marrying pharoh to show it was for an allegiance with Egypt/Politics.
Rashi says it is meaningful that Shlomo's marriage occurs right after the passing of his Rebbe (Shimi). What is one Life Lesson we learn from this?
A person should always live near his rebbe/mentor
or
Be mindful to surround yourself with positive influences
What story did Woman A (the first woman to speak) say?
She gave birth, and 3 days later, the other lady in the house gave birth. Lady B rolled over her baby during the night, killing him, and switched their babies. When she woke up to nurse her baby, Woman A realized what happened.
How do we see that Shlomo is politically savvy?
He marries Bas Pharoh to secure safety for Bnei Yisrael/ political allegiance with Egypt.
Why did Shlomo bring 1000 korbanos in Givon?
To induce Nevuah!
What did Shlomo ask Hashem for- and what did He grant him?
He asked for wisdom, and he got wisdom, wealth, honor (and potentially long life- don't need to say this part)
What Lesson do we learn from Shlomo summarizing the court case before ruling on it?
We see that when judging a situation, a judge must give a recap.
After hearing Woman A's version, what does Lady B say? (Pay attention to the order of your words!)
No, my baby is the libving one, and her baby is the dead one.
How do we see Shlomo is wise?
He solves this confusing court case, and a bas kol even confirms his ruling!
What is the critique of Shlomo regarding his use of Bamos, while it was allowed?
The only reason it was allowed was because Shlomo still hadn't built the Beis Hamikdash yet...
When Shlomo woke up, how did he know it was real and he really had new levels of wisdom?
He understood animals' language (birds chirping and dog barking)
What LL do we learn from the court case?
We need to fight the urge to wish harm on others or derive joy from seeing someone in an undesirable situation.
or
We must try very hard to be happy for others even when they have things we do not
What was Shlomo's plan, and what were his intentions really?
To cut the baby in half with a sword and split is between the moms. He wasn't really going to, he just wanted to cause an honest reaction in the mothers.
How do we see that Shlomo is humble and inclusive?
He gives full attention to a court case for 2 women Zonos, who are living outside of halacha.
When are you allowed to use Bamos- when not?
Before the Beis Hamikdash, if there wasn't a complete and permanent structure to serve Hashem- then you were allowed to use a personal altar.
Since the BHMK- you may no longer use bamos.
Will Shlomo really be the smartest person who ever lived?
Shlomo was at the top level for intelligence in regards to natural wisdom, not necessarily religious wisdom
or
The pasuk limited it to kings- Shlomo was smarter and richer than all kings before and after him.
Summarize our perek (4 points)
1-Shlomo marries Bas Pharoh for politics.
2- Shlomo loves Hashem- brings korbanos on Bamos.
3- Shlomo has a dream and asks for wisom.
4- Court Case of 2 Zonos, Shlomo solves it and the nation recognizes his Gdly wisdom
How did Shlomo know who the real mother was?
The compassion and maternal love revealed Lady B to be the real mother of the living baby. (when she said not to cut the baby but instead just give him to the other woman).
How do we know that he is a tzadik?
He has nevuah.
After attaining his newfound wisdom, Shlomo goes to Yerushalayim to use the large public bamah there instead of the bamos near him- why?
He now realizes his whole focus should be building the bais hamikdash in yerushalayim.
What about the words in the psukim hint to us who the real mother is and isn't?
Each woman prioritizes her own baby when speaking. Lady B says my baby is living and yours is dead. Woman A says your baby is dead, and mine is living.
Summarize Perek Alef and Beis! (very macro/general KD)
Perek Alef- Adoniyahu proclaims himself king but Dovid has Shlom crowned king instead.
Perek Beis- Dovid ives Shlomo 4 final instructions, Shlomo punishes and kills those deseriving and his kingdom is established.
Why did the people fear Shlomo after the court case?
They realized that with his new wisdom, he could understand (ta'alumos halev) the secrets of the heart/ hidden intentions.
How do we see he is growthful?
After his newly attained wisdom, he no longer wants to use bamos (personal altars).