United monarchy · around 970–930 BC
Solomon in the Bible
The wise king, builder of the temple. Name meaning: “Peaceful” (from shalom, “peace”; cf. 1 Chr 22:9); also called Jedidiah, “beloved of the LORD” (2 Sam 12:25)
Solomon, son of David and Bathsheba, reigns forty years over all Israel at the height of the kingdom. Having asked God for an understanding heart, he receives wisdom without equal, builds the temple in Jerusalem and draws even the queen of Sheba to his court. But his many foreign wives turn his heart toward other gods, and the kingdom will be divided after his death.
Key moments
- Nathan names him Jedidiah 2 Samuel 12:25
- Anointed king at Gihon 1 Kings 1:39
- He asks for an understanding heart 1 Kings 3:9
- The judgment of the two mothers 1 Kings 3:27
- The glory of the LORD fills the temple 1 Kings 8:11
- The visit of the queen of Sheba 1 Kings 10:1
- His wives turn away his heart 1 Kings 11:4
- He dies after a forty-year reign 1 Kings 11:42
Strengths
- Wisdom
- Discernment
- Builder
- Early humility
- Thirst for knowledge
Weaknesses
Solomon multiplied horses, riches and foreign wives, the opposite of what the law required of the king (Deut 17:16-17). In his old age he followed other gods and built high places for them (1 Kgs 11:4-8), and he laid a heavy yoke on the people (1 Kgs 12:4).
Lessons for today
- Ask God for wisdom rather than comfort: he gives it to all who ask (1 Kgs 3:9; Jas 1:5).
- A good beginning is not enough; we must guard our hearts to the very end (1 Kgs 11:4; Prov 4:23).
- Compromises of the heart can lead astray even the most enlightened mind (1 Kgs 11:2-3).
- Jesus is “greater than Solomon”: true wisdom is found in him (Matt 12:42; 1 Cor 1:30).
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
People around Solomon
- David — His father
- Bathsheba — His mother
- Nathan — The prophet who names him Jedidiah and supports his accession
- Adonijah — Half-brother and rival for the throne
- The queen of Sheba — A visitor dazzled by his wisdom
- Rehoboam — His son and successor
Stories with Solomon
Quiz: how well do you know Solomon?
What did Solomon ask of God at Gibeon?
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people.” God notes that he asked neither for long life, nor for riches, nor for the life of his enemies. 1 Kings 3:9–11
Who was Solomon’s mother?
David comforted Bathsheba his wife; “she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.” 2 Samuel 12:24
What great building did Solomon construct for the LORD?
In the fourth year of his reign, “Solomon built the house of the LORD”: the temple, with its porch. 1 Kings 6:1–3
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.