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, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is detailed primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, and he is also credited with authorship of several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.Ascension to the Throne Solomon's path to the throne was not without challenges. As David's health declined, a power struggle emerged. Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempted to claim the throne. However, Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan intervened, reminding David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him. David then publicly declared Solomon as king, as recorded in 1 Kings 1:30, "I will surely carry out today what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place." Wisdom and Wealth Solomon's reign is marked by his request for wisdom from God. In a dream at Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon and offered him anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people effectively. Pleased with this request, God granted him unparalleled wisdom and also bestowed upon him wealth and honor. 1 Kings 3:12-13 states, "Behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal." Solomon's wisdom became legendary, attracting visitors from distant lands, including the Queen of Sheba, who came to test him with hard questions. His wealth and the prosperity of his kingdom were unmatched, as described in 1 Kings 10:23, "So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom." Building Projects One of Solomon's most significant achievements was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a task 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 dedication of the Temple is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marked by Solomon's prayer and the glory of the LORD filling the Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:10-11. In addition to the Temple, Solomon undertook numerous other building projects, including his own palace, fortifications, and cities. His reign was characterized by extensive trade and economic prosperity, facilitated by alliances with neighboring nations. Challenges and Decline Despite his wisdom, Solomon's reign was not without its challenges. His marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as he built high places for their gods, which angered the LORD. 1 Kings 11:4 notes, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been." This disobedience led to divine judgment, and God declared that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son, though not during Solomon's lifetime, for the sake of David. This prophecy set the stage for the eventual division of the kingdom after Solomon's death. Legacy Solomon reigned for forty years, a period often seen as the zenith of Israel's united monarchy. His contributions to Israel's cultural and religious life were profound, and his wisdom literature continues to be studied and revered. Despite the eventual decline due to his unfaithfulness, Solomon's reign is remembered as a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 9:30And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. Nave's Topical Index Library 1 Thess. 2:1-2. "For Kings. " Kings The Old Testament and Archeology The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church On Faith Appendices In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... Book 15 Footnotes The Assumption of Moses The Prophet Hosea. Resources Is Song of Solomon an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or Christ's love for the Church? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom? | GotQuestions.org Why didn't Solomon follow his own advice on women? | 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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