Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is renowned in the Bible for his wisdom, wealth, and acts of liberality. As the third king of Israel, Solomon's reign is often highlighted as a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace. His liberality is evident in various aspects of his rule, including his governance, building projects, and interactions with other nations.

Wisdom and Generosity

Solomon's liberality is first and foremost demonstrated through his request for wisdom. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon, offering him anything he desired, Solomon 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 Solomon not only wisdom but also wealth and honor, making him unparalleled among kings (1 Kings 3:12-13). Solomon's wisdom was a gift he shared generously with others, as seen in his judgments and the proverbs he composed, which continue to offer guidance and insight.

Building the Temple

One of Solomon's most significant acts of liberality was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This monumental project, which took seven years to complete, was a testament to Solomon's dedication to the worship of God and his desire to provide a central place for the Israelites to offer sacrifices and seek the Lord (1 Kings 6:1-38). Solomon spared no expense in the building of the Temple, using the finest materials and employing skilled craftsmen. His liberality in this endeavor reflected his commitment to honoring God and serving the spiritual needs of his people.

Diplomacy and Trade

Solomon's reign was marked by extensive trade and diplomatic relations, which further exemplified his liberality. He established alliances with neighboring nations, such as his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter and his dealings with Hiram, king of Tyre, who provided materials and craftsmen for the Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). Solomon's fleet of ships brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks, contributing to the wealth and splendor of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:22). His openness to international relations and trade not only enriched Israel but also allowed Solomon to share his wisdom and the blessings of his reign with others.

Generosity to Visitors

The visit of the Queen of Sheba is a notable example of Solomon's liberality. Drawn by reports of Solomon's wisdom and wealth, the queen came to test him with hard questions. Solomon answered all her inquiries, and she was overwhelmed by his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:1-7). In response to her visit, Solomon demonstrated his generosity by giving her "all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty" (1 Kings 10:13). This encounter highlights Solomon's willingness to share his God-given gifts with others, enhancing his reputation and the glory of his reign.

Proverbs and Teachings

Solomon's liberality is also evident in the wisdom literature attributed to him, particularly the Book of Proverbs. These proverbs offer practical guidance on living a righteous and prosperous life, emphasizing virtues such as generosity, justice, and humility. For instance, Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Through these teachings, Solomon extends his wisdom to future generations, encouraging a spirit of liberality and benevolence.

In summary, Solomon's liberality is a defining characteristic of his reign, manifesting in his wise governance, grand building projects, diplomatic endeavors, and the sharing of his wisdom. His actions and teachings continue to inspire and instruct those who seek to live generously and honorably.1 Kings 4:29
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 5:4,5
But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil result.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 2:1-6
And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 6:1
And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 7:51
So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 8:13
I have surely built you an house to dwell in, a settled place for you to abide in for ever.
Nave's Topical Index

292. Achinadab -- "my brother is noble," an official of Solomon
... nadab Definition "my brother is noble," an official of Solomon NASB Word Usage Ahinadab
(1). Ahinadab. From 'ach and nadab; brother of liberality; Achinadab, an ...
/hebrew/292.htm - 6k

Christ Teaching Liberality
... Saviour taught when he spoke the words from which I have tried to draw the lesson
of liberality. The title at the head of them is taken from Solomon's words in ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The Emperor Theodosius by Salaminius Hermias Sozomen, and Proposal ...
... But thou, O Emperor, surpassest any of the ancients in thy liberality to letters ...
and the virtues of roots, and forces of remedies, than Solomon, the wisest son ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/address to the emperor theodosius.htm

Sowing in the Wind, Reaping under Clouds
... But, next, in the work of liberality this would stay us. This is Solomon's theme
here. ... Observe, that Solomon was here speaking of liberality. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sowing in the wind reaping.htm

Acts V
... disinterested benevolence sometimes prompts illiberal men to make a pretense of
liberality. ... And they were all, with one accord, in Solomon's Portico, (13) and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts v.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... 9. Solomon made all these things for the honor of God, with great variety and
magnificence, sparing no cost, but using all possible liberality in adorning the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Parallels from the Prophets to Illustrate Christ's Teaching in the ...
... all anxiety respecting them as an outrage [4653] against his liberality?"who has ...
not, nor spin, and yet are clothed" by Him; whose "Solomon, moreover, was ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxix parallels from the prophets.htm

On the Collections, V.
... at the great and final day of judgment large-hearted liberality and ungodly ... therein,
shall have no indulgence from the great Recompenser, as Solomon says, "He ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon x on the collections.htm

How we Oftentimes Repulse the Inspiration and Refuse to Love God.
... Jews, hearing with their ears the heavenly wisdom of the true Solomon, the Saviour ...
If we do not confess his benefits we wrong his liberality, but we blaspheme ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x how we oftentimes.htm

Works and Letters of St. Ambrose
... Due measure must be observed in liberality, that it may not be expended on worthless ...
Chapter I. We are taught by David and Solomon how to take counsel with our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... His design was to exhibit the liberality of Cyrus and Darius towards the Jews as
a pattern for the heathen rulers of Judea in his own ... V. THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus