מלכים א, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ז

Two women approach King Solomon for judgment, setting the stage for a tragic conflict by presenting the basic facts of their situation. They are brought before the king immediately, bypassing any men who might have been waiting in line. This priority stems from a legal principle dictating that a woman's court case must be heard before a man's [אלשיך].

The first woman begins her plea with a tone of deep request, begging the king to incline his ear and listen to her account [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. She explains that she and the second woman resided together under a single roof, which is where she gave birth to her son [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Her manner of speaking carries profound psychological and legal significance. By addressing the king directly, she reveals her honesty. She presents her claims clearly and properly, speaking the truth without the shame that typically prevents a liar from looking a judge in the eye. This directness stands in sharp contrast to the behavior of the second woman later in the trial. Out of shame for her false claims, the second woman will initially avoid addressing the king altogether, choosing instead to direct her words toward her companion [אלשיך].