Watching “Seinfeld” reruns recently, I saw the one in which Elaine and Kramer argue about rightful ownership of (originally Elaine’s) high-handled girly bicycle. To settle the matter, Newman channels the biblical Solomon. According to the biblical book of Kings, Solomon, son of David, inherited the throne in ancient Israel and promptly demonstrated one of the qualities for which he has been admired ever since — wisdom. In the episode titled “The Seven,” Newman decides that rather than give the bike to one or the other of the warring parties, he’ll cut it in half. Now, if you’re not familiar with the biblical story (two prostitutes, a baby… check it out — 1 Kings 3:16-28), you’d understandably find the whole thing bizarre. Hiliarious, but strange nonetheless. It comes straight out of the Bible. Instead of a baby, though, what’s at issue is a bike. This silly new context for a straight, ancient story adds yet another layer to the Bible’s countless interpretations and reinterpretations thoughout the centuries. Great summer fun.
