Solomon
The Wise King Who Built the Temple
Name Information
- Meaning: "Peaceful"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba, and the third king of Israel. Renowned for his unparalleled wisdom, Solomon ruled during a time of peace and prosperity. He built the first temple in Jerusalem, expanding Israel’s influence and wealth. His writings reflect both deep insight and honest reflection on life’s meaning. However, his later years were marked by compromise and idolatry, turning his heart away from God. Despite his flaws, Solomon’s reign and writings remain vital to understanding God’s work through Israel and foreshadow the need for a greater, perfect King.
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Roles
- King
- Builder of the Temple
- Wisdom Writer
- Judge
- Son of David
Relationships
- Father: David
- Mother: Bathsheba
- Wife: Pharaoh’s daughter and many others
- Children: Rehoboam
- Prophet: Nathan
- Mentor: David (father)
- Friend: Hiram of Tyre
Story
Solomon was born to David and Bathsheba and was loved by the Lord. He was named 'Jedidiah' by the prophet Nathan, meaning 'beloved of the Lord.'
After a contested succession, Solomon was established as king with David’s blessing and Nathan’s support.
When God appeared to Solomon in a dream, Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to govern the people — and God granted him both wisdom and great riches.
He became known throughout the world for his insight, attracting visitors like the Queen of Sheba, who marveled at his wealth and understanding.
Solomon oversaw the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, which became the center of Israel’s worship for generations. At its dedication, he prayed a powerful prayer and God's glory filled the temple.
He wrote or compiled much of the biblical wisdom literature — including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon — expressing the heights of wisdom and the struggles of meaning in life.
Despite his achievements, Solomon’s love for foreign women led him to build altars to their gods, and his heart turned from fully following the Lord.
Because of his disobedience, God foretold that the kingdom would be torn from his son after his death — a judgment that marked the beginning of Israel’s division.
Spiritual Significance
- Solomon was chosen by God to succeed David and was anointed king while David was still alive.
- He asked God for wisdom rather than wealth or power — and God granted him wisdom like no one before or after.
- Solomon judged with great discernment, most famously in the case of the two mothers claiming the same child.
- He built the glorious temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father’s dream and creating a central place of worship for Israel.
- Solomon's reign marked Israel’s golden age — a time of international influence, trade, peace, and prosperity.
- Despite his wisdom, Solomon’s many foreign wives led him into idolatry, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord in his later years.
- His life reminds us that knowledge without obedience leads to downfall, and even the wisest can turn astray without a steadfast heart.
Christ Connection
Solomon, the son of David, foreshadows Jesus — the true Son of David and the Prince of Peace who builds a greater temple: His Church.
Jesus referred to Himself as greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42) — His wisdom surpasses all human understanding.
Where Solomon’s temple was glorious but temporary, Christ establishes an eternal kingdom and builds a spiritual house through His people.
Solomon’s failure to remain faithful highlights the need for a sinless King who will never turn away — Jesus fulfills that perfectly.
The wisdom of Proverbs ultimately points to Jesus, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
What We Can Learn
- True wisdom begins with a heart that fears and honors God above all else.
- God honors humble prayers and gives generously to those who seek His will.
- Success and blessing are not guarantees of continued faithfulness — vigilance is needed throughout life.
- A divided heart leads to compromise, and compromise leads to disobedience.
- Even the most gifted leaders need accountability and humility to stay faithful.
- Earthly wisdom, wealth, and achievement are meaningless without a right relationship with God — as Solomon reflects in Ecclesiastes.
Memory Verses
Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.
— 1 Kings 3:9The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
— Proverbs 9:10Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
— Psalm 127:1 (attributed to Solomon)
Key Passages
- 1 Kings 1–11
- 2 Chronicles 1–9
- Proverbs
- Ecclesiastes
- Song of Solomon
- Matthew 12:42
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