Who was King Solomon?
Who was King Solomon? Solomon was David's son who became Israel's wisest and wealthiest king, built the first Temple in Jerusalem, but ultimately turned from God due to his many foreign wives.
Key verse: 1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)
Solomon was David's son who became Israel's wisest and wealthiest king, built the first Temple in Jerusalem, but ultimately turned from God due to his many foreign wives.
Solomon was David's son who became Israel's wisest and wealthiest king, built the first Temple in Jerusalem, but ultimately turned from God due to his many foreign wives.
"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?" — 1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)
Meaning
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In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Solomon asked God for wisdom rather than riches or power, and God granted him both. He became legendary for his wisdom, authoring much of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. He built the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem that his father David had planned. The Queen of Sheba visited to test his wisdom and left astounded. However, Solomon accumulated 700 wives and 300 concubines, many from foreign nations, who turned his heart toward their gods. This disobedience led to God's judgment: after Solomon's death, the kingdom divided into Israel (north) and Judah (south). Solomon's story is a powerful warning that great gifts and wisdom don't guarantee faithfulness.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The Church?
What the Bible teaches about the church, its purpose, and why believers should gather together.
Key Scripture References
"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?"
"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."
"And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who Was King David?
David was the shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, known as 'a man after God's own heart' and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Who was King Solomon?
Solomon was David's son who became Israel's wisest and wealthiest king, built the first Temple in Jerusalem, but ultimately turned from God due to his many foreign wives.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside 1 Kings. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Kings on day 140 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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