Solomon in the Bible: The Wise King Who Built the Temple

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Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and his role in building the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon’s reign marked the golden age of Israel, a time of peace, prosperity, and international influence. However, his life was also marked by personal failure, as his later years were marred by idolatry and disobedience to God’s commands. Solomon’s story, primarily found in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and referenced in the wisdom books of the Bible (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon), offers powerful lessons on leadership, the dangers of compromise, and the pursuit of true wisdom. His name means “peace” or “peaceable,” reflecting the peaceful and prosperous nature of his reign.

Biblical Story

Solomon’s story begins with his anointing as king, following the death of his father, David. Though not the eldest son, Solomon was chosen by God and David to succeed him. Solomon’s reign started with a request for wisdom. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream, offering him anything he desired, Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to lead the people of Israel. Pleased with this request, God not only granted Solomon wisdom but also wealth and honor, making him the most renowned king of his time:

“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 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? And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.”
(1 Kings 3:5-14)

Solomon’s wisdom became famous throughout the ancient world. His judicial decisions, such as the famous case of two women claiming the same baby, earned him a reputation for profound discernment:

“Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it. And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king. Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living. And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof. And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.”
(1 Kings 3:16-28)

One of Solomon’s most significant accomplishments was the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David’s desire to create a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. The construction of the Temple was a monumental project, taking seven years to complete. The Temple became the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God’s presence with His people:

“And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD. And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits. And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house. And for the house he made windows of narrow lights. And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about: The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house. And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building. The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third. So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar. And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar. And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. So Solomon built the house, and finished it. And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the ceiling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir. And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place. And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long. And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD. And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar. So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold. And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold. And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high. And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits. And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size. The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub. And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house. And he overlaid the cherubims with gold. And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without. And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without. And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall. The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees. So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall. And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding. And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work. And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams. In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif: And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.”
(1 Kings 6:1-38)

Solomon’s reign was also marked by extraordinary wealth and political alliances. He entered into numerous treaties, often cemented by marriages with foreign princesses, which expanded Israel’s influence but also laid the groundwork for his spiritual downfall. Although Solomon started his reign faithfully, his later years were marred by compromise. His many marriages to foreign women led him to tolerate and even participate in idol worship, violating God’s command to remain faithful:

“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 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. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.”
(1 Kings 11:1-13)

As a result of Solomon’s disobedience, God declared that the kingdom would be divided after his death, though not during his reign, out of respect for his father David. Solomon’s later years were marked by inner turmoil, and the wisdom he once had was clouded by his compromises. Solomon ruled for 40 years before his death, leaving behind a mixed legacy of both greatness and failure.

Character Traits

Solomon’s life is marked by wisdom, wealth, and eventual compromise. These traits define both his strengths and weaknesses.

Wisdom: Solomon is most famous for his wisdom, which he received as a gift from God. His writings in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon reflect the breadth of his understanding, ranging from practical advice to deep philosophical reflections on life. His wisdom was also demonstrated in his governance and judicial decisions, which made him renowned among other nations.
Wealth and Prosperity: Solomon’s reign was one of immense prosperity. Under his leadership, Israel reached its peak in terms of economic power and international influence. His extensive building projects, including the Temple and his royal palace, demonstrated his wealth and ambition. He also amassed great riches through trade, taxes, and alliances.
Compromise and Idolatry: Despite his wisdom, Solomon’s later years were characterized by spiritual compromise. His many marriages to foreign women led him to adopt their religious practices, building altars to foreign gods. This disobedience to God’s commands ultimately led to the decline of his spiritual integrity and the weakening of Israel’s spiritual foundations.

Psalm 56:3

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Spiritual Lessons

Solomon’s life offers important spiritual lessons about the pursuit of wisdom, the dangers of compromise, and the importance of obedience to God.

True Wisdom Comes from God: Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God, and his life demonstrates the value of seeking divine wisdom over worldly power or riches. His request for wisdom, rather than wealth or long life, highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual discernment over material gain. Proverbs, one of the wisdom books attributed to Solomon, emphasizes that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), teaching us that wisdom starts with a reverent relationship with God.
The Dangers of Compromise: Solomon’s downfall was rooted in his gradual compromise of his faith. His marriages to foreign women were not just political alliances; they also introduced idol worship into Israel. This compromise of God’s commands led to spiritual decline, not only in Solomon’s life but also for the nation. This teaches us the danger of allowing small compromises in our faith, as they can lead us away from God’s truth.
The Vanity of Earthly Success: In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the emptiness of worldly achievements, wealth, and pleasure, concluding that without a relationship with God, all is “vanity” or “meaningless.” This powerful reflection challenges us to view life through an eternal lens and to pursue a relationship with God as the ultimate source of fulfillment.
God’s Faithfulness Despite Our Failures: Despite Solomon’s failings, God remained faithful to His promise to David. Though Solomon’s actions brought consequences, God’s covenant with David endured, eventually leading to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through David’s lineage. This reminds us of God’s faithfulness, even when we fall short.

Relationship with God

Solomon’s relationship with God was complex—marked by periods of faithfulness and spiritual decline. Early in his reign, Solomon demonstrated a deep desire to follow God’s will, asking for wisdom to govern the people justly. His devotion is particularly evident in the construction of the Temple, a monumental act of worship and dedication to God:

“And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.”
(1 Kings 8:22-24)

However, Solomon’s many marriages to foreign women led him into spiritual compromise. His heart, once fully devoted to God, was divided by his involvement with foreign gods and their practices. This divided loyalty strained his relationship with God and led to God’s judgment on his kingdom.

Despite his failings, Solomon’s writings in Ecclesiastes reflect a deep understanding of life’s ultimate meaning. He concludes that life without God is meaningless, showing that even in his disillusionment, he recognized the centrality of God in human existence.

Impact on Biblical History

Solomon’s impact on biblical history is profound, particularly through his role in building the Temple and establishing Israel’s golden age.

Building the Temple: Solomon’s most significant contribution was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites. The Temple was a symbol of God’s presence among His people and played a crucial role in Israel’s religious life for centuries.
Wisdom Literature: Solomon is traditionally credited with writing much of the Bible’s wisdom literature, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. These books have shaped Jewish and Christian thought on wisdom, life, and love for generations, offering practical guidance and deep philosophical reflections.
Political Influence: Solomon’s reign brought unprecedented peace and prosperity to Israel. His diplomatic alliances, trade agreements, and military strength established Israel as a significant power in the ancient world. This era of peace allowed Israel to flourish, expanding its influence and wealth.

In the New Testament, Solomon is referenced as a figure of great wisdom and wealth. Jesus contrasts Himself with Solomon, stating that “something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42), pointing to the superiority of His own wisdom and kingdom.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing

Solomon’s life is rich with symbolism and foreshadowing, especially in his role as the builder of the Temple.

The Temple: Solomon’s building of the Temple foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is the true “temple” of God. Just as the Temple in Jerusalem was the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people, Jesus became the “Word made flesh” who dwelled among us (John 1:14).

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
(John 1:14)

Solomon’s Temple points forward to the greater fulfillment of God’s presence through Jesus, who made the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Solomon’s Wisdom: Solomon’s wisdom is often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s perfect wisdom. While Solomon’s wisdom was vast, it was ultimately limited by his human failings. In contrast, Jesus is the embodiment of perfect wisdom, offering a path to eternal life through His teachings and sacrifice.
The Davidic Line: Solomon’s role as David’s son and his establishment of the kingdom foreshadows the eternal reign of Jesus, the ultimate “Son of David.” Though Solomon’s reign ended, the promises God made to David about an eternal dynasty were fulfilled in Jesus, whose kingdom will never end.

Modern-Day Application

Solomon’s life provides important lessons for believers today, particularly about the pursuit of wisdom, the dangers of compromise, and the importance of a wholehearted relationship with God.

Seek God’s Wisdom First: Solomon’s request for wisdom teaches us the importance of prioritizing spiritual discernment over material gain. We are reminded to seek God’s guidance in our decisions, trusting that He will provide for our needs as we align ourselves with His will.
Guard Against Compromise: Solomon’s downfall was gradual, the result of small compromises that accumulated over time. His life serves as a warning against allowing the influences of the world to pull us away from God’s commands. We are challenged to remain faithful to God’s Word, avoiding the temptation to blend our faith with worldly values.
True Fulfillment Comes from God: Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes remind us that no amount of wealth, power, or pleasure can satisfy our deepest longings. True fulfillment comes from knowing and serving God, and any pursuit apart from Him is ultimately empty.

Interesting Facts

Solomon reigned as king for 40 years, the same length of time as his father, David.
Solomon’s wealth was legendary. The Bible describes him receiving 25 tons of gold each year (1 Kings 10:14), and he became renowned for his splendor and luxury.
Solomon is traditionally credited with writing Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, three books of wisdom literature that have influenced countless generations.
The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon to test his wisdom, and she was overwhelmed by his answers and his wealth (1 Kings 10:1-10).

“And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built, And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.”
(1 Kings 10:1-10)

Reflection Questions

How does Solomon’s request for wisdom inspire you to seek God’s guidance in your life?
In what ways can Solomon’s later compromises serve as a warning for you in maintaining your faithfulness to God?
How does Solomon’s reflection on the vanity of life without God in Ecclesiastes challenge your own perspective on what truly matters?

Conclusion

Solomon’s life is a story of incredible wisdom, wealth, and achievement, yet it is also a cautionary tale of the dangers of compromise and disobedience to God. As the king who built the Temple and expanded Israel’s influence, Solomon’s reign represents the height of Israel’s glory. However, his spiritual downfall reminds us that true success is not measured by wealth or power but by faithfulness to God. Solomon’s writings in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes continue to offer timeless wisdom, urging us to seek God’s will in all things. His life points forward to Jesus, the true King and source of wisdom, who offers eternal fulfillment and grace to all who follow Him.