Topical Bible: Books: Not Extant, But Mentioned in Scripture: Acts of Solomon

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Acts of Solomon" is a non-extant work referenced in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Kings. This text is believed to have been a historical record detailing the reign and accomplishments of King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, who ruled the united kingdom of Israel and Judah. The mention of this book suggests that it was a comprehensive account of Solomon's reign, including his wisdom, building projects, administrative organization, and possibly his interactions with other nations.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to the "Acts of Solomon" is found in 1 Kings 11:41: "As for the rest of the acts of Solomon—all that he did, as well as his wisdom—are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon?" . This verse indicates that the book served as a detailed chronicle of Solomon's deeds and his renowned wisdom, which was a gift from God.

Content and Purpose:

While the "Acts of Solomon" itself is not extant, its mention in Scripture suggests that it was an important historical document during the time of the biblical authors. The book likely contained detailed accounts of Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, his palace, and other significant structures. It may have also included records of his administrative reforms, trade endeavors, and diplomatic relations, such as his interactions with the Queen of Sheba and alliances with neighboring kingdoms.

The purpose of the "Acts of Solomon" would have been to document the achievements and governance of one of Israel's most illustrious kings. Solomon's reign is often characterized by peace and prosperity, and his wisdom is celebrated in biblical literature, including the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, which are traditionally attributed to him.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The reference to the "Acts of Solomon" underscores the historical interest in documenting the reigns of Israel's kings, a common practice in the ancient Near East. Such records would have served not only as historical accounts but also as theological reflections on the successes and failures of Israel's leaders in light of their covenant relationship with God.

Solomon's reign is particularly significant in biblical history as it represents the height of Israel's united monarchy, a period marked by divine blessing and fulfillment of God's promises to David. However, it also foreshadows the eventual division of the kingdom due to Solomon's later apostasy, as he turned away from God by marrying foreign wives and worshiping their gods, as detailed in 1 Kings 11.

Conclusion:

The "Acts of Solomon," though lost to history, remains a testament to the biblical emphasis on recording the deeds of Israel's leaders. Its mention in Scripture invites readers to reflect on the legacy of Solomon's wisdom and the complexities of his reign, serving as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 11:41
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

His Review of the Canonical Scriptures.
... the only fragments of Origen's Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews now extant. ...
read in church, but the text of a book or books as a whole, was not at all ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxv his review of the.htm

How the Books were Written.
... Out of all this vast mass of extant manuscripts, only twenty-seven ... It contains most
of the apocryphal books, and several others that we do not find in ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... but it is impossible to show from the extant books of the ... Let it be neither mine
nor thine, but divide it. ... And just as the people would not have been persuaded ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... And I find that every extant specimen of this sacred ... is absurd, whilst the authority
of these books is under ... Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

Letter Lxx. To Magnus an Orator of Rome.
... discussions one ought to ignore it; for almost all the books of all ... eaters their
teeth because he is toothless himself, and not to make ... His works are extant. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxx to magnus an.htm

His Writings: their Characteristics.
... It is not known whether he commented on Ecclesiastes and ... or on the deutero-canonical
books (commonly called ... [311] Probably the earliest extant Syriac poem is ...
/.../viii his writings their characteristics.htm

Concerning the Scriptures.
... and credit of the transcribers, since the original copies are granted by all not
to be now extant. ... [175] A new revelation is not a new ... [176] Books canonical. ...
/.../proposition iii concerning the scriptures.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... Josephus in this his supposal, that such books and arts of ... Solomon rode so often
in state, be not those alluded ... part of which from rains are still extant, as Mr ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... It is said her sepulcher is still extant near Petra, the ... books of the Old Testament,
or in the books we call ... of redeeming this penalty with money is not in our ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... Christian, and belonging to the class of Adamaic books, wherein is ... reached us from
antiquity contain sentences and statements not now extant, though there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm