Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.
Ver. 16. Then came there two women that were harlots.] Or rather hostesses; for harlots would not have been so hardy as to have appeared in their colours before Solomon, who was yet in his prime, and zealous for God's law. If, therefore, these were harlots, they were privy harlots; for there were then no stews or brothel houses allowed, as are now at Rome, and other places in Italy, for a commonwealth, say Papists, and for the avoiding of greater evils, adultery, incest, &c. But what saith Augustine? Cursed be that remedy of sin that is itself a sin. God will not have such a gain to be recompensed with such a loss.