Topical Bible: Solomon: Extent of his Dominions

◄ Solomon: Extent of his Dominions ►

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Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the extensive dominion he held during his reign as king of Israel. His rule is often considered the zenith of Israel's power and influence in the ancient Near East. Solomon's dominion extended over a vast territory, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs and establishing Israel as a significant power in the region.

Geographical Extent

The Bible provides a detailed account of the extent of Solomon's dominions. In 1 Kings 4:21 , it is recorded: "So Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life." This passage indicates that Solomon's influence stretched from the Euphrates River in the north to the border of Egypt in the south, encompassing a vast area that included various vassal states and territories.

The dominion of Solomon included all the land promised to Abraham, as described in Genesis 15:18 : "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.'" Solomon's reign saw the fulfillment of this promise, as his kingdom extended over these territories.

Political Influence and Tribute

Solomon's dominion was not only geographical but also political. The surrounding nations recognized his authority and brought tribute, acknowledging his supremacy. This tribute system is mentioned in 1 Kings 10:25 : "Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses, and mules." These gifts were a testament to Solomon's influence and the respect he commanded from neighboring kingdoms.

Trade and Economic Prosperity

Solomon's dominion also facilitated extensive trade networks, contributing to the economic prosperity of his kingdom. His control over key trade routes allowed for the exchange of goods and wealth, further enhancing Israel's status. The Bible notes Solomon's involvement in trade with distant lands, such as Ophir, from which he imported gold (1 Kings 10:11).

Military Strength

The extent of Solomon's dominion was supported by a formidable military. He maintained a large standing army, including chariots and horsemen, which helped secure his borders and maintain peace. 1 Kings 4:26 states, "Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses and 12,000 horses." This military strength deterred potential aggressors and ensured the stability of his reign.

Cultural and Religious Influence

Solomon's dominion also had cultural and religious implications. His construction of the Temple in Jerusalem became a central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of their covenant with God. The Temple attracted visitors from various nations, further spreading Solomon's influence and the fame of Israel's God.

In summary, Solomon's dominion was characterized by its vast geographical reach, political influence, economic prosperity, military strength, and cultural impact. His reign marked a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs and establishing a legacy that would be remembered throughout biblical history.

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1 Kings 4:21,24
And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.
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1 Kings 8:65
And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath to the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.
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2 Chronicles 7:8
Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath to the river of Egypt.
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2 Chronicles 9:26
And he reigned over all the kings from the river even to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.
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Library

A Greater than Solomon
... other people; He had never a thought about Himself Solomon was, to a great extent,
wise unto ... and in all their arrangements, that he seeks his own pleasure ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... Solomon has said that "a man's gift maketh room for him ... ways are not as our ways,
nor His thoughts as our thoughts." When thus, to a great extent, laid aside ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... then we have a most complete deliverance in extent, but not ... We are his brethren,
and he is not ashamed to ... this is the great meditation of the song of Solomon. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

The Historical Books.
... of David with its calamitous consequences, and the idolatry of Solomon. ... agrees all
that is said of the splendor and extent of his dominions, extending "from ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

God, the All-Seeing One
... and mark the exact spot where David and Solomon rest in ... I mean to what degree and
to what extent does he ... who is supposed to be harboring a traitor in his house ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/god the all-seeing one.htm

God, the All-Seeing One
... and mark the exact spot where David and Solomon rest in ... I mean to what degree and
to what extent does he ... who is supposed to be harboring a traitor in his house ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/god the all-seeing one.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... Therefore Solomon did not make the unqualified statement "every one ... which shall not
pass away, and His kingdom shall ... present things to such an extent as never ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... The twin pillars, which Solomon erected in the porch of the temple, have ... epilogue,
setting forth the king's titles, his glory, the extent of his rule, his ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin.
... have not sufficiently learned out of Solomon, that the ... in the whole compass and extent
of existence ... to order all important events within his dominions by wisdom ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii the scheme of.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... did not so well understand the nature and extent of pride ... Job 41:15-17): 'His scales
are his pride, shut ... Solomon saith, Two are better than one, because if one ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm