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Kings & Prophets · Old Testament

Solomon

Wise King Who Built the Temple

Name meaning
Peaceable
Name origin
Hebrew: שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh), from shalom, "peace"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • King of Israel
  • Judge
  • Builder
  • Writer of proverbs
Birthplace
Jerusalem
Modern-day location
Jerusalem.
Family
  • Son of David and Bathsheba
  • Father of Rehoboam
  • Brother of Nathan and others
First mention
2 Samuel 12:24
Last mention
1 Kings 11:41-43
Key artifacts
  • Temple in Jerusalem
  • Throne of ivory and gold
  • Scrolls of proverbs

Key verses

  • “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people.”

    1 Kings 3:9

  • “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much.”

    1 Kings 4:29

  • “but will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee.”

    1 Kings 8:27

Biography

Early Life

Solomon was born to David and Bathsheba and became king after David's death. When God offered him anything, he asked for wisdom to govern well.

Defining Biblical Moments

Solomon's wise judgment between two mothers became famous. He built the Temple in Jerusalem, organized the kingdom, and gathered proverbs and songs. Later, his many foreign marriages and idolatry led to divine rebuke and the kingdom's future division.

Strengths

Solomon is renowned for wisdom, administrative skill, and contributions to Israel's worship and literature.

Weaknesses & Lessons

Wealth, alliances and unchecked desire led him away from covenant fidelity, showing how success can become a spiritual hazard.

Life Lessons for Today

Wisdom must be continually sought and applied; achievements require humility and accountability to remain beneficial.

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Solomon appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #21 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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