Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. He is also recognized as an ancestor of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, as outlined in the genealogies presented in the New Testament.Genealogical Significance The Gospel of Matthew traces the lineage of Jesus through Joseph, highlighting Solomon as a key ancestor. Matthew 1:6-7 states, "and Jesse the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa." This genealogy underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from the house of David, a lineage that includes Solomon. Solomon's Reign and Legacy Solomon's reign is marked by a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel. He is renowned for his wisdom, a gift from God, as described in 1 Kings 3:12 : "Behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you." His wisdom is further exemplified in the biblical account of the judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child, where Solomon's astute decision revealed the true mother (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon's most significant achievement was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The dedication of the Temple is recorded in 1 Kings 8, where Solomon prays for God's continued favor and presence with Israel. Spiritual and Moral Challenges Despite his wisdom and accomplishments, Solomon's reign was not without spiritual and moral challenges. His marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as he built high places for their gods, which ultimately displeased the Lord. 1 Kings 11:4 notes, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been." This turning away from God had significant consequences for Solomon and the kingdom of Israel. The Lord declared that the kingdom would be divided after Solomon's death, a prophecy fulfilled during the reign of his son Rehoboam (1 Kings 11:11-13). Theological Implications Solomon's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the grace and sovereignty of God in using imperfect individuals to fulfill His divine purposes. Despite Solomon's failings, God's promise to David regarding his descendants remained steadfast, ultimately culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Solomon's life serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. His account is a testament to the complexity of human nature and the enduring mercy of God, who works through flawed individuals to accomplish His redemptive plan. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 1:6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; Nave's Topical Index Library The New Garment Bent Genesis The Israelites The Nations of the South-East Matt. I. 1 Matt. I. 1 General Service to John, Precursor, Prophet and Baptist of the ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Land and the People. The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Resources Who are the daughters of Jerusalem in Song of Solomon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Testament of Solomon? | GotQuestions.org Why does Solomon refer to his wife as his sister (Song of Solomon 4:9)? | GotQuestions.org Solomon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: An Ancestor of Joseph Solomon: Anointed King a Second Time Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his House, the Forest of Lebanon Solomon: Builds Idolatrous Temples Solomon: Cedes some Inferior Cities to Hiram Solomon: Covenant Renewed in a Vision After the Dedication of the Temple Solomon: Divides his Kingdom Into Subsistence Departments Solomon: Drinking Vessels of his Houses Solomon: Extent of his Dominions Solomon: Has Seven-Hundred Wives and Three-Hundred Concubines Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Imports Apes and Peacocks Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Musicians and Musical Instruments of his Court Solomon: Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the Prophet Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Solomon: Prophecies Concerning Solomon: Receives Tribute (Taxes) Solomon: Reigns for Forty Years Solomon: Renews the Courses of the Priests and Levites Solomon: Son of David by Bath-Sheba Solomon: Succeeds David to the Throne of Israel Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Solomon: Their Influence Over Him Related Terms Carriage-towns (3 Occurrences) |
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