Definition: Then spake the woman whose the living child [was] unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, [but] divide [it].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 3:26. It's a really interesting and complex story about a woman’s desire and the King’s response. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Woman Desires Her Son: The story begins with a woman, likely a royal advisor or a very important figure, who is deeply worried about her son's life. She’s desperately wanting him to live. “Neither Mine Nor Yours” – A Boundary: The other person she speaks to says, “Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide [it].” This is crucial. They are saying, "Don't take this child from me or give it to you." The King’s Response - A Trick: The King then responds with a clever, tricky plan. He doesn’t immediately take the child. Instead, he instructs his advisors to split the child into pieces and distribute them among several different people. What This Verse is About – It's about God’s Will & Protection: This passage is a powerful illustration of God’s protection over His people. Here’s what it suggests: God’s Sovereignty: The story emphasizes that God has ultimate control and decides who lives and dies. It’s not up to us to decide the fate of the child. Protecting the Vulnerable: The woman's desire highlights a vulnerable person – her son. The King is showing his concern for protecting this individual. God’s Plan & Divine Order: The division suggests that God has a plan for everything, and He doesn’t interfere with it unless it's part of His overall design. In essence, the verse describes a situation where a woman pleads with a king to spare her son’s life, but the King chooses to divide him into pieces to protect his own interests. --- Important Note: This is a complex passage, and there are different interpretations among scholars. It’s a story of divine providence and a reminder of God's protection over His people. Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this story to other biblical stories or themes?