Topical Bible: Children: Solomon

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Introduction:
Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often considered a golden age for Israel, marked by peace and prosperity.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne:
Solomon was born in Jerusalem and was the second son of David and Bathsheba. His name means "peaceful," and he was also called Jedidiah, meaning "beloved of the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:24-25). Solomon's path to the throne was not without challenges. As David's health declined, there was a struggle for succession. Adonijah, another son of David, attempted to claim the throne, but through the intervention of the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon was anointed king (1 Kings 1:11-40).

Wisdom and Understanding:
Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, a gift from God. When God appeared to him in a dream at Gibeon, Solomon famously asked for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). Pleased with this request, God granted him unparalleled wisdom and also bestowed upon him riches and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13). His wisdom was demonstrated in various ways, including the famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28).

Building the Temple:
One of Solomon's most significant achievements was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a task his father David had desired to complete. Solomon's Temple became the central place of worship for the Israelites and housed the Ark of the Covenant. The construction took seven years, and the dedication of the Temple was marked by a grand ceremony and Solomon's prayer, which emphasized God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commandments (1 Kings 8:22-53).

Wealth and Prosperity:
Under Solomon's rule, Israel experienced unprecedented prosperity. He established trade alliances and expanded the kingdom's influence. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon highlights his fame and the wealth of his kingdom. She was impressed by his wisdom and the splendor of his court (1 Kings 10:1-13).

Writings and Proverbs:
Solomon is traditionally credited with authoring several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. The Book of Proverbs contains wise sayings and teachings that reflect his understanding of life and godliness. Ecclesiastes explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment, while the Song of Solomon is a poetic exploration of love.

Later Years and Downfall:
Despite his wisdom, Solomon's later years were marked by spiritual decline. He married many foreign women, who led him to worship other gods, contrary to God's commandments (1 Kings 11:1-8). This disobedience resulted in God's anger and the eventual division of the kingdom after Solomon's death (1 Kings 11:9-13).

Legacy:
Solomon's legacy is complex. He is remembered for his wisdom, his contributions to Israel's spiritual and cultural heritage, and his role in building the Temple. However, his failure to remain faithful to God serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from divine commandments. Solomon's life underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom and remaining steadfast in faith.

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1 Kings 2:19,20
Bathsheba therefore went to king Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself to her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
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1 Kings 3:3-13
And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
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Library

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... Come and sit at the feet of Solomon. ... have special cause for thankfulness; but it
should be a note to be entered in your diary that your children shall not be ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

"When Solomon was Old. "
... It is a disputed question whether Solomon repented in time to save his soul ... As it
is, we don't know that David has one of his children with him, except the baby ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxiv when solomon was old.htm

The Fall of Solomon
... a double instance of the law of God's providence which visits the father's deeds
on the children. The consequences of David's goodness fall on Solomon, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm

How Solomon Became the Ruler of Israel
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT HOW SOLOMON BECAME THE
RULER OF ISRAEL. Now when David was old, Adonijah thought ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how solomon became the ruler.htm

Solomon
... And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country,
and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; . . . ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

A Ruler who Wronged his People
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT A RULER WHO WRONGED HIS PEOPLE.
Solomon was building his palace thirteen years before he finished it. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a ruler who wronged his.htm

Look not Upon Me Because I am Dark-Colored, Because the Sun Hath ...
... of Solomon. <. ... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 5. Look not upon me because I am
dark-colored, because the sun hath tanned me; my mother's children strove ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/5 look not upon me.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT A YOUNG MAN'S WISE CHOICE. Solomon
went to Gibeon to offer a sacrifice there, for that was the great high ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a young mans wise choice.htm

Special Conference in virginia.
... an address to the congregations be added to the minutes "on better bringing up of
the children and better order of the youth." On motion of Solomon Henkel it ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/special conference in virginia.htm

Building a Great Temple
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT BUILDING A GREAT TEMPLE. In the
fourth year of Solomon's rule over Israel he built the temple of Jehovah. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/building a great temple.htm