Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, most notably the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often considered a golden age for Israel, marked by peace and prosperity. Solomon's account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Proverbs, with additional references in Psalms and the Song of Solomon.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. The Lord loved Solomon, as indicated in 2 Samuel 12:24-25: "Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him." Solomon's path to the throne was not without challenges. As David's health declined, a power struggle ensued among his sons. Adonijah, Solomon's older brother, attempted to seize 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's wisdom is legendary and was a direct gift from God. In a dream at Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon and offered him anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people effectively. Pleased with this request, God granted him unparalleled wisdom and also bestowed upon him riches and honor (1 Kings 3:5-14). Solomon's wisdom was demonstrated in various ways, including his famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). The breadth of Solomon's wisdom is further evidenced by his authorship of many proverbs and songs. According to 1 Kings 4:32, "He composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five." The Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon are traditionally attributed to him, reflecting his deep understanding of human nature and divine principles. Building the Temple One of Solomon's most significant achievements was the construction of the 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 of the Temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4, highlighting its grandeur and the meticulous care taken in its design and construction. Upon the Temple's completion, Solomon dedicated it with a prayer that emphasized God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commandments (1 Kings 8:22-53). The dedication was marked by a divine manifestation, as "the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD" (1 Kings 8:11). Wealth and Influence Solomon's reign was marked by unprecedented wealth and international influence. He established trade alliances and diplomatic relationships with surrounding nations, including a notable visit from the Queen of Sheba, who was astounded by his wisdom and prosperity (1 Kings 10:1-13). Solomon's wealth is described in 1 Kings 10:14-29, detailing his accumulation of gold, silver, and other riches. Challenges and Downfall Despite his wisdom, Solomon's later years were marred by spiritual decline. He took many foreign wives, who led him to idolatry, turning his heart away from the LORD (1 Kings 11:1-8). This disobedience resulted in God's judgment, leading to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death (1 Kings 11:9-13). Solomon's life serves as a complex narrative of divine blessing, human achievement, and the consequences of turning away from God. His legacy is a testament to the importance of faithfulness and the dangers of complacency in spiritual matters. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 12:24And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her, and lay with her: and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. Nave's Topical Index Library How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ... Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ... My Beloved Put in his Hand through the Opening, and My Bowels ... November 3. "This is My Beloved, and this is My Friend" (Song of ... Come, My Beloved, Let us Go Forth into the Field; Let us Lodge in ... Who is this that Cometh up from the Wilderness, Replete with ... Flee Away, My Beloved, and be Thou Like to a Roe or to a Young ... Behold, My Beloved Speaketh to Me and Saith: Rise Up, My Love, My ... Let My Beloved Come into his Garden and Eat the Fruit of His Prophets and Kingsforeword Resources Is Song of Solomon an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or Christ's love for the Church? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God respond when Solomon asked for wisdom? | GotQuestions.org Why didn't Solomon follow his own advice on women? | GotQuestions.org Solomon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: An Ancestor of Joseph Solomon: Anointed King a Second Time Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his House, the Forest of Lebanon Solomon: Builds Idolatrous Temples Solomon: Cedes some Inferior Cities to Hiram Solomon: Covenant Renewed in a Vision After the Dedication of the Temple Solomon: Divides his Kingdom Into Subsistence Departments Solomon: Drinking Vessels of his Houses Solomon: Extent of his Dominions Solomon: Has Seven-Hundred Wives and Three-Hundred Concubines Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Imports Apes and Peacocks Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Musicians and Musical Instruments of his Court Solomon: Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the Prophet Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Solomon: Prophecies Concerning Solomon: Receives Tribute (Taxes) Solomon: Reigns for Forty Years Solomon: Renews the Courses of the Priests and Levites Solomon: Son of David by Bath-Sheba Solomon: Succeeds David to the Throne of Israel Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Solomon: Their Influence Over Him Related Terms Carriage-towns (3 Occurrences) |
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