Topical Bible: Solomon: Wealth of

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Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is renowned not only for his wisdom but also for his extraordinary wealth, which is extensively documented in the biblical narrative. His reign, which lasted from approximately 970 to 931 BC, is often considered the golden age of Israel due to the prosperity and peace that characterized his rule.

Divine Blessing and Wisdom

Solomon's wealth is intrinsically linked to the divine blessing he received from God. When Solomon ascended to the throne, he famously asked God for wisdom to govern the people of Israel. Pleased with this request, God granted him unparalleled wisdom and also promised him riches and honor. As recorded in 1 Kings 3:13 , God said, "Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during your lifetime no man in any kingdom will be your equal."

Trade and Commerce

Solomon's wealth was significantly augmented through extensive trade and commerce. He established strong trade alliances, notably with King Hiram of Tyre, which facilitated the import of valuable materials such as cedar and gold. 1 Kings 10:22 describes Solomon's trading ventures: "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks."

Tribute and Gifts

The wealth of Solomon was further increased by the tribute and gifts he received from other nations. His fame for wisdom and prosperity attracted dignitaries from across the known world, including the Queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon to test his wisdom and was left in awe of his wealth and splendor. As noted in 1 Kings 10:10 , "Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."

Construction and Infrastructure

Solomon's wealth is also evident in his ambitious building projects, most notably the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was adorned with gold and precious stones. The opulence of the Temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6 and 7, where the use of gold is repeatedly emphasized. Additionally, Solomon built a magnificent palace and other structures, showcasing the wealth and architectural advancement of his kingdom.

Annual Revenue

The annual revenue of Solomon's kingdom was substantial, as indicated in 1 Kings 10:14 : "The weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents." This figure, which does not include the income from merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land, underscores the immense wealth that flowed into Israel during Solomon's reign.

Military and Chariots

Solomon's wealth also extended to his military capabilities. He amassed a large number of chariots and horses, which were imported from Egypt and other regions. 1 Kings 10:26 states, "Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem."

Conclusion

The wealth of Solomon is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise and the prosperity that can accompany divine wisdom and favor. His reign remains a symbol of the potential for abundance when a leader seeks wisdom and understanding above all else.

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1 Kings 9:1
And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,
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1 Kings 10:10,14,15,23,27
And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
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2 Chronicles 1:15
And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance.
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2 Chronicles 9:1,9,13,24,27
And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great company, and camels that bore spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart.
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Ecclesiastes 1:16
I communed with my own heart, saying, See, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yes, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
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Library

Trusting in These Resources, Solomon Set About Erecting a Temple ...
... of events. In the meantime, Solomon abounded in wealth, and was, in fact,
the richest of all the kings that ever lived. But, as ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xl trusting in these.htm

Solomon
... "Because this was in thine heart," God said to Solomon, "and thou hast not asked
riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

A Greater than Solomon
... I have not time to enlarge, and therefore I would have you notice, next, that
our Lord Jesus Christ is greater than Solomon in wealth. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

Solomon
... and dream, was not David, the Psalmist, and the shepherd-boy, the man of many
wanderings, and many sorrows: but his son Solomon, with all his wealth, and pomp ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

The Great Gain of Godliness
... II. The wealth of Solomon is illustrated by his large equipment of chariots
and horsemen. The older habits of the nation had not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with ...
... For Paul had "heard a sweeter story" than Solomon had ever in his wisdom conceived;
had "found a truer gain" than all Solomon's wealth could give him; and his ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter iv but we must.htm

What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon at the Approach of his ...
... 3. He was buried by his son Solomon, in Jerusalem, with great magnificence, and ... used
to be buried with; moreover, he had great and immense wealth buried with ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 what charge david.htm

The Fall of Solomon
... So Solomon's fall is told in the same frank way as his wisdom and wealth; for what
is of importance is not Solomon so much as God's dealings with Solomon, when ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm

Solomon's Reign.
... of all one's aim and hopes and aspirations in the matters of wealth, pleasure and
honor will not bring satisfaction to the heart. (3) The Song of Solomon. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom.
... 8.6.8.6 James Montgomery. Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. Almighty God, in humble prayer,. ...
We ask not golden streams of wealth,. Along our path to flow,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn lxx solomons prayer for.htm