Topical Bible: Solomon: His Rigorous Reign

◄ Solomon: His Rigorous Reign ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most renowned figures in biblical history, known for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects. His reign, which lasted approximately 40 years, is often characterized by both prosperity and complexity, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his leadership over Israel.

Ascension to the Throne

Solomon's path to the throne was not without challenges. As David's chosen successor, Solomon's ascension was initially contested by his older brother Adonijah, who sought to claim the kingship for himself (1 Kings 1:5-10). However, through the intervention of the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, David reaffirmed Solomon's right to the throne, leading to his anointing as king (1 Kings 1:32-40).

Wisdom and Understanding

One of the most defining aspects of Solomon's reign was his unparalleled wisdom, a divine gift granted in response to his humble request for discernment to govern the people effectively. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." Pleased with this request, God not only granted him wisdom but also promised him riches and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13).

Solomon's wisdom became legendary, attracting dignitaries from distant lands, including the Queen of Sheba, who came to test him with hard questions and was left in awe of his insights and the prosperity of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:1-7).

Economic Prosperity and Building Projects

Under Solomon's rule, Israel experienced unprecedented economic prosperity. He established extensive trade networks, importing goods such as gold, silver, ivory, and exotic animals (1 Kings 10:22). Solomon's reign was marked by grand architectural endeavors, the most significant being the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a project that took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:37-38). This Temple became the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Solomon also built a magnificent palace complex, which took thirteen years to complete, reflecting the wealth and grandeur of his reign (1 Kings 7:1). His building projects extended beyond Jerusalem, including fortified cities, storage cities, and military installations, which helped secure the kingdom's borders and maintain peace (1 Kings 9:15-19).

Administrative Organization

Solomon's reign was marked by a highly organized administrative structure. He divided the kingdom into twelve districts, each overseen by an official responsible for providing provisions for the king and his household (1 Kings 4:7). This system ensured a steady flow of resources and contributed to the efficient governance of the nation.

Religious Practices and Challenges

Despite his wisdom, Solomon's reign was not without spiritual challenges. His marriage alliances with foreign princesses, including Pharaoh's daughter, led to the introduction of idolatrous practices within Israel. As Solomon grew older, his heart turned away from the LORD, influenced by his wives to worship other gods (1 Kings 11:4-8). This apostasy incurred divine displeasure, and God declared that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son, though not during Solomon's lifetime, for the sake of David (1 Kings 11:11-13).

Legacy

Solomon's reign left a lasting impact on Israel and the biblical narrative. His wisdom literature, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, continues to be revered for its profound insights into human nature and divine wisdom. However, the seeds of division sown during his reign would eventually lead to the fracturing of the united monarchy after his death, as foretold by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Solomon's rigorous reign, marked by both divine favor and human frailty, serves as a complex chapter in the history of Israel, illustrating the blessings and challenges of leadership under God's covenant.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 2:1
Now the days of David drew near that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Samuel
... known reference comes from the reign of Solomon (cf ... with a practical illustration
of the rigorous obligations of ... more that of Saul"David with his weakness and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/samuel.htm

On the Creation of the World
... And let the parasceve become a rigorous fast, lest we ... 2236] seven pillars of wisdom
in the house of Solomon. ... of the week, and bring aid to His entire creation ...
/.../victorinus/on the creation of the world/on the creation of the.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... assumed an antagonistic attitude of nonconformity against the rigorous enforcement
of ... His courtiers and bishops lauded him as the Solomon of his age, but ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... Zadok (Tsadoq), the High-Priest in the time of Solomon. ... each member not to conceal
anything from his own sect ... was intended as safeguards of a rigorous sect of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Psalm LXXXIX.
... you shall have judged contrary to truth, or by rigorous truth shall ... fall, but you
might after the fall of Solomon look back to God, and demand His promise ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxix.htm

The Interpretation of the Articles.
... indeed perceive how this sentence of Solomon contains any ... his Arminianism, omitted
it altogether from his revision of ... and even with the most rigorous form of ...
/.../ 81 the interpretation of.htm

Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
... but thanks to these happy times, the reign of pedantry ... by the constitution of things,'
by his saying (Sermon xv.) that the writings of Solomon are very ...
/.../tendencies of religious thought in.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... to the Temple they made a very rigorous preparation by ... stood in the Temple and
Tabernacle of Solomon, I saw ... VI, Julii, where Joannes Eckius in his homily on St ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... recalls the famous judgment of Solomon (1 Kings 3 ... and reinforced the garrisons which
lined his Elamite frontier ... wiser not to impose too rigorous conditions upon ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... them say: "Let us eat and drink, and reign for ever ... tempted by the devil; and repenting
of his sin said ... Solomon, beloved of the Lord, and to whom God had twice ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm