Topical Bible: Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Solomon

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Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, particularly the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often considered a golden age in the history of Israel.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Solomon was born in Jerusalem, and his name means "peaceful," reflecting the peace and prosperity that characterized his reign. He was chosen by God to succeed his father, David, as king of Israel. Despite being the second son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon was favored by both his parents and the prophet Nathan. His ascension to the throne was not without challenges, as his older brother Adonijah initially attempted to claim the kingship (1 Kings 1:5-10). However, through the intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba, David declared Solomon as his successor (1 Kings 1:28-30).

Wisdom and Wealth

Solomon is perhaps best known for his wisdom, which was a divine gift. 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, as well as riches and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13). Solomon's wisdom became legendary, attracting visitors from distant lands, including the Queen of Sheba, who came to test him with hard questions and was left in awe of his insights (1 Kings 10:1-9).

Solomon's wealth was immense, with annual tributes and trade bringing in vast amounts of gold and other riches. The Bible records that "the weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was 666 talents" (1 Kings 10:14), and he made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones (1 Kings 10:27).

The Temple and Other Building Projects

One of Solomon's most significant achievements was the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a task that his father David had desired but was not permitted 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 was a monumental project involving thousands of laborers and artisans (1 Kings 6:1-38).

In addition to the Temple, Solomon built a magnificent palace complex, fortified cities, and developed infrastructure throughout the kingdom. His building projects were extensive and contributed to the prosperity and stability of Israel during his reign.

Writings Attributed to Solomon

Solomon is traditionally credited with authoring several books of the Bible, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings, emphasizing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). Ecclesiastes reflects on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment, often summarizing that all is "vanity" without God (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The Song of Solomon is a poetic exploration of love and is often interpreted allegorically as representing the relationship between God and His people.

Later Years and Legacy

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 apostasy angered the Lord, and as a result, God declared that the kingdom would be divided after Solomon's death, with only a remnant remaining under the rule of his son (1 Kings 11:11-13).

Solomon reigned for 40 years, and his legacy is a complex one, marked by both extraordinary achievements and significant failures. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of turning away from His commandments. Solomon's account is a testament to the blessings of wisdom and the consequences of disobedience.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 5:3-5
You know how that David my father could not build an house to the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
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2 Chronicles 6:1
Then said Solomon, The LORD has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
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Library

"The Great Awakening. "
... the Great Awakening she had still outstanding L39,000 ... no longer dwelt preeminently
upon religious matters, but ... and such the low state of religion in Connecticut ...
/.../chapter ix the great awakening.htm

The Ministry in Galilee --Its Aim and Method
... to him of their substance." The outstanding wonder of ... of life but of established
religious ideas by ... new element of the Christian religion"salvation through ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iii the ministry in galileeits.htm

Chapter xxii
... patriarchal religion as well as of all Israelitish religion. ... the most exalted form
of religious worship was ... to Abraham should be an outstanding one embracing ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxii.htm

Chapter xlix
... that no judgment is pronounced on religious conditions in ... to a totemistic state of
religion through which ... 9. A fuller description of this outstanding trait of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... two, in civilization, mode of thought, religion, language, and ... The outstanding features
spoken of by our Lord ... There will be many false religious teachers, many ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... history, their rituals of theology and religious worship, their ... recorder; he retained
his post under Solomon (1 Kings 4 ... had its effect on their religion as well ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm