Topical Bible: Kings: Who Reigned Over all Israel: Solomon

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Introduction

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most renowned figures in biblical history, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marks a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for the united kingdom of Israel. Solomon's account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Proverbs, with additional references in Psalms and Ecclesiastes.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Solomon was born in Jerusalem, the second son of David and Bathsheba after the death of their first child. His name, derived from the Hebrew word "Shalom," meaning peace, reflects the tranquility that characterized much of his reign. Solomon's path to the throne was not without challenges. As David's health declined, a power struggle ensued, with Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempting to claim the throne. However, through the intervention of the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, David declared Solomon as his successor (1 Kings 1:28-30).

Wisdom and Understanding

Solomon is perhaps best known for his wisdom, a gift from God. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon, offering him anything he desired, Solomon famously asked for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). Pleased with this request, God granted Solomon unparalleled wisdom and also bestowed upon him riches and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13). Solomon's wisdom became legendary, attracting dignitaries from around the world, including the Queen of Sheba, who came to test him with hard questions (1 Kings 10:1-3).

The Building of the Temple

One of Solomon's most significant achievements was the construction of the First 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 construction took seven years and was a monumental project involving vast resources and labor (1 Kings 6:1, 38). Upon its completion, Solomon dedicated the Temple with a prayer, asking God to hear the prayers of His people and to forgive their sins (1 Kings 8:22-53).

Wealth and Prosperity

Under Solomon's rule, Israel experienced a time of great wealth and prosperity. The king's extensive trade networks and alliances, including a notable marriage alliance with Pharaoh's daughter, contributed to the kingdom's affluence (1 Kings 3:1). Solomon's wealth is described in detail, with annual tributes of gold, luxurious palaces, and a fleet of ships bringing treasures from distant lands (1 Kings 10:14-22).

Challenges and Downfall

Despite his wisdom, Solomon's reign was not without its challenges. His many marriages to foreign women led him to build high places for their gods, which turned his heart away from the LORD (1 Kings 11:1-8). This disobedience angered God, who 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 legacy is complex, marked by both his extraordinary achievements and his failures. His wisdom literature, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, continues to be studied for its profound insights. Solomon's reign is often seen as the zenith of Israel's united monarchy, a time of peace and prosperity that would not be seen again after the kingdom's division following his death. Solomon's life serves as a reminder of the blessings of obedience to God and the consequences of turning away from His commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 1:39-11:43
And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 1:1-9:31
And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... when the mysterious priest-king, Melchizedek, reigned there in ... Even David had been
like the kings of other ... his last was a mournful lamentation over the vanity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... "Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river [Euphrates] unto the land of the
Philistines, and unto the ... all the days of Solomon." 1 Kings 4:21 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... upon the great altar, and the sacrifice was consumed, and all over the great ... of Israel;
but after the kingdom was divided no kings ever reigned who could ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

Solomon
... and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea-shore, for multitude, eating
and drinking and making merry; and Solomon reigned over all kings, from the ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the hope
that they would regain ... (1) Jehovah rules not only in Israel but over all peoples ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The New Garment Bent
... And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty ... of David
his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.'"1 Kings 11:26-43 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

The Two Boy Kings.
... soon after Solomon's death, and a king reigned in Jerusalem ... of Judah, and another
in Samaria over the kingdom of ... among them were two who became kings when they ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxx the two boy.htm

The Reign of David.
... period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the ... make more powerful his
authority over all the people ... showed himself different from other kings of his ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the ... of Israel which
dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.'"1 Kings 12:1 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm

The History of Solomon
... that was made in that temple, but I pass over. ... And after this divers kings became
adversaries to Solomon ... He reigned upon all Israel in Jerusalem forty years ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm