Scripture forms a understanding heart that is worked out in study and play in 1 Kings 3:9—look for "judge" and "people". Let understanding heart with time and attention—turn hope into steady work.

The setting is 1 Kings—law/history, developing understanding heart. Read in 1 Kings 3, its force becomes clearer. Listen for “judge” alongside “people”.

1 Kings was received under the name of Jeremiah (trad.). Many scholars judge 1 Kings as follows: Deuteronomistic history; royal annals and prophetic traditions.. Scholars commonly date 1 Kings Exilic period.. Here the thread of covenant history comes into view. Compiled annals and prophetic voices structure the account.