Solomon
“Peaceful one, from the root meaning peace”
Summary
The third king of Israel, son of David and Bathsheba, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the building of the Temple, whose reign represented the zenith of Israel's political power and territorial extent.
☩Birth and Succession
Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba, born after the death of their first child who died as judgment for David's sin. His name Shelomoh means "peaceful one," reflecting David's yearning for a reign of peace after his own years of warfare. The prophet Nathan gave him the additional name Jedidiah, meaning "beloved of the Lord." Though not the eldest son, Solomon was chosen by David as his successor, and his accession was secured through the intervention of Nathan and Bathsheba when his brother Adonijah attempted to seize the throne.
☩Wisdom and Justice
Early in his reign, Solomon requested from God an understanding heart to judge his people wisely rather than riches or long life. God granted him unparalleled wisdom along with the wealth and honor he had not requested. His wisdom became legendary throughout the ancient world, with the queen of Sheba traveling from Arabia to test him with hard questions. The famous judgment between two women claiming the same child demonstrated his discernment and established his reputation for justice throughout Israel.
☩Building Projects
Solomon's most significant achievement was constructing the Temple in Jerusalem, a project his father David had been forbidden to undertake. The Temple required seven years to build and was dedicated with elaborate ceremonies and Solomon's great prayer of dedication. He also built his own palace complex, which took thirteen years, along with a separate palace for his Egyptian wife. Additional building projects included fortifications at strategic locations such as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer, as well as the city of Tadmor (Palmyra) in the wilderness for trade purposes.
☩Wealth and Commerce
Solomon's reign brought unprecedented prosperity to Israel. He established commercial alliances, particularly with Hiram of Tyre, who supplied materials for the Temple and skilled craftsmen. Solomon developed a trading fleet that sailed from Ezion-geber to Ophir, bringing back gold, precious stones, and exotic goods. He also engaged in the profitable horse and chariot trade between Egypt and the Hittite kingdoms. Silver was so abundant in Jerusalem during his reign that it was counted as nothing.
☩Decline and Legacy
Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart was turned away from the Lord by his many foreign wives, who led him to worship their gods. He built high places for Chemosh and Molech, provoking God's anger. As consequence, God declared that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son, though for David's sake one tribe would remain with his descendants. Solomon reigned forty years and was succeeded by his son Rehoboam, under whom the kingdom divided. Jesus referenced Solomon's glory and wisdom, noting that the lilies of the field exceeded his splendor and that a greater than Solomon had come.
Related Verses305 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Solomon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Solomon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Solomon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.George Morrish, "Solomon," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Solomon," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 6.James Hastings (ed.), "Solomon," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).