Topical Bible: Holy Land: Numerous Population of, in Solomon's Reign

◄ Holy Land: Numerous Population of, in Solomon's Reign ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

During the reign of King Solomon, the Holy Land experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity and population growth. This era is often characterized by peace, wealth, and the flourishing of culture and trade, which contributed to the significant increase in the population of Israel.

Biblical Context

Solomon, the son of David, ascended to the throne of Israel and ruled from approximately 970 to 931 BC. His reign is noted for the establishment of a strong centralized government, the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, and the expansion of Israel's influence and trade networks. The Bible provides insight into the demographic changes during Solomon's reign, highlighting the numerous population and the prosperity of the land.

Scriptural References

The Bible describes the population of Israel during Solomon's reign as exceedingly numerous. In 1 Kings 4:20 , it is written: "Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea; they were eating and drinking and rejoicing." This metaphorical expression emphasizes the vast number of people living in the land, likening them to the grains of sand by the sea, a common biblical idiom for an innumerable multitude.

Furthermore, 1 Kings 4:25 states: "Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree, from Dan to Beersheba." This passage not only underscores the peace and security enjoyed by the inhabitants but also suggests a widespread and stable population distribution across the land.

Factors Contributing to Population Growth

Several factors contributed to the population growth during Solomon's reign:

1. Peace and Stability: Solomon's reign was marked by peace, largely due to his diplomatic relationships and strategic marriages with neighboring nations. This peace allowed for agricultural and economic development, which supported population growth.

2. Economic Prosperity: Solomon's extensive trade networks and wealth accumulation, as described in 1 Kings 10:14-29, facilitated economic prosperity. The influx of wealth and resources likely attracted people to settle in Israel, further boosting the population.

3. Agricultural Advancements: The Bible notes the abundance of food and resources during Solomon's reign. The phrase "each man under his own vine and his own fig tree" suggests agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency, which would have supported a growing population.

4. Urban Development: Solomon's building projects, including the construction of the Temple and various cities, provided infrastructure and opportunities for employment, drawing people to urban centers.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The numerous population during Solomon's reign had significant cultural and religious implications. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem became a central place of worship and pilgrimage, reinforcing religious unity and identity among the Israelites. The population growth also facilitated the spread of Israelite culture and influence throughout the region.

Conclusion

The numerous population of the Holy Land during Solomon's reign is a testament to the prosperity and stability of his kingdom. The biblical narrative highlights the blessings of peace, economic growth, and divine favor that characterized this golden age of Israel's history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 3:8
And your servant is in the middle of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 1:9
Now, O LORD God, let your promise to David my father be established: for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Land and the People.
... looking over Mount Moriah and the holy city, we ... omnipresent in the civilized world;
the Land is groaning ... and healed Gentiles also, who were numerous in Galilee ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... prophet Micah: "And you Bethlehem in the land of Judah ... THE THREE HOLY KINGS APPEAR
BEFORE HEROD. ... confronted by the three kings and their numerous company, and ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at once came into contact with a population having a ... by marriages with the daughters
of the land, led to ... The Zakkala, who were not numerous, it is true, lost ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... Churchmen, of various shades of opinion, were always numerous. ... how 'in every corner
of the land some unseemly ... offered the elements upon the Holy Table himself ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm