Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionSolomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is a central figure in the Old Testament, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marks a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel. Solomon's life and reign are detailed primarily in the books of 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Proverbs, with additional references in Psalms and Ecclesiastes. His communion with God, particularly at the beginning of his reign, is a significant aspect of his account. Solomon's Early Communion with God Solomon's communion with God is first notably recorded in 1 Kings 3:3-15. After Solomon ascended to the throne, he went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, where the LORD appeared to him in a dream. God said, "Ask for whatever you want Me to give you" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon's request for wisdom to govern the people pleased God, who granted him not only wisdom but also wealth and honor, promising that no other king would compare to him during his lifetime (1 Kings 3:12-13). The Building of the Temple One of Solomon's most significant acts of communion with God was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a task his father David had desired to complete. Solomon's dedication to this project is evident in 1 Kings 6-8 and 2 Chronicles 2-7. The Temple became the central place of worship for Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people. At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon offered a profound prayer, acknowledging God's greatness and asking for His continued presence and favor (1 Kings 8:22-53). Solomon's Wisdom and Writings Solomon's wisdom, a direct result of his communion with God, is legendary. He is credited with authoring much of the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These writings reflect his deep understanding of human nature, morality, and the divine. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," encapsulating the foundation of Solomon's wisdom. Solomon's Later Years Despite his early devotion, Solomon's later years were marked by a decline in his communion with God. His marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as he built high places for their gods (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 life serves as a complex example of communion with God. His early years demonstrate the blessings of seeking divine wisdom and guidance, while his later years warn of the dangers of turning away from God's commandments. Solomon's account is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with God throughout one's life. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 3:5-14In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give you. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 Library Solomon's Repentance The Joy of Unbroken Communion Unrestrained Communion Union and Communion David's Charge to Solomon The Title "The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's. " Communion Broken --Restoration Introductory Union and Communion Communion Again Broken --Restoration Resources Should communion be open or closed? | GotQuestions.orgIs a virtual/online communion service biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is the observance of First Communion biblical? | GotQuestions.org Communion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Communion of Saints in Exhortation Communion of Saints in Holy Conversation Communion of Saints in Mutual Comfort and Edification Communion of Saints in Mutual Sympathy and Kindness Communion of Saints in Prayer for Each Other Communion of Saints in Public and Social Worship Communion of Saints in the Lord's Supper Communion of Saints is With: Each Other Communion of Saints is With: God Communion of Saints is With: Saints in Heaven Communion of Saints: According to the Prayer of Christ Communion of Saints: Christ is Present In Communion of Saints: Delight of Communion of Saints: Exhortation To Communion of Saints: God Marks, With his Approval Communion of Saints: Opposed to Communion With the Wicked Communion of Saints: The Church Communion of the Lord's Supper is the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Communion of the Lord's Supper was Continually Partaken of, by the Church Communion of the Lord's Supper: Both Bread and Wine are Necessary to be Received In Communion of the Lord's Supper: Instituted Communion of the Lord's Supper: Newness of Heart and Life Necessary to the Worthy Partaking Communion of the Lord's Supper: Object of Communion of the Lord's Supper: Partakers of, be Wholly Separate to God Communion of the Lord's Supper: Prefigured Communion of the Lord's Supper: Self-Examination Commanded Before Partaking of Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of are Guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of are Visited With Judgments Communion of the Lord's Supper: Unworthy Partakers of Discern not the Lord's Body Communion With God is Communion With the Father Communion With God is Communion With the Holy Spirit Communion With God is Communion With the Son Communion With God: Holiness Essential To Communion With God: Promised to the Obedient Communion With God: Reconciliation Must Precede Communion With God: Saints: Desire Communion With God: Saints: Have, in Meditation Communion With God: Saints: Have, in Prayer Communion With God: Saints: Have, in the Lord's Supper Communion With God: Saints: should Always Enjoy Related Terms |