Original 1678 King James Bible leaf containing one of the most famous episodes in the Old Testament: Solomon asks God for wisdom and gives his celebrated judgment between the two women claiming the same child.

The leaf contains the end of 1 Kings 2, most of 1 Kings 3, and the opening of chapter 4.

Highlights include:

• Solomon marries Pharaoh’s daughter
• God appears to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon
• Solomon asks for an “understanding heart” rather than riches or long life
• God grants him extraordinary wisdom, along with riches and honor
• The famous case of the two women claiming the same infant
• Solomon commands: “Bring me a sword”
• He proposes dividing the child in two, revealing the true mother
• Israel recognizes that “the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment”

The reverse is especially strong visually, with the period running headings “Solomons petition” and “The two harlots.”

Printed in London in 1678, during the reign of Charles II. Original seventeenth-century King James Bible leaf with attractive contemporary red ruling, marginal references, early typography, and large decorative initials.

This is an original 1678 Bible leaf, not a modern reproduction. One leaf printed on both sides; not a complete Bible.

Condition: Age toning, scattered spotting and staining, minor edge wear and small edge irregularities consistent with a nearly 350-year-old Bible leaf. Text remains dark, clear, and highly legible. Red ruling remains strong. Please see photographs for exact condition.

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