Bible Characters
Who Was Solomon in the Bible? King of Israel and Builder of the Temple
Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba and the third king of the united kingdom of Israel. He reigned for forty years, roughly 970 to 930 BC (1 Kings 11:42). He is known for asking God for wisdom, building the first temple in Jerusalem, and writing proverbs and songs (1 Kings 3:9; 6:1; 4:32). In his later years, his many foreign wives turned his heart to other gods, and after his death the kingdom split in two (1 Kings 11:4; 12:16-20).
Quick Facts About Solomon
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name meaning | Related to the Hebrew word for "peace" (shalom); also named Jedidiah, "loved by the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:25) |
| Testament | Old Testament |
| Key books | 2 Samuel 12, 1 Kings 1-11, 1 Chronicles 22-29, 2 Chronicles 1-9, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs |
| Time period | Reigned about 970-930 BC (traditional dating) |
| Known for | Wisdom, wealth, building the temple, writing proverbs |
Birth and Family
Solomon was born to David and Bathsheba after the death of their first child (2 Samuel 12:24). The text says the LORD loved him, and God sent the prophet Nathan to name him Jedidiah (2 Samuel 12:24-25).
Before Solomon was born, God had promised David that one of his offspring would build a house for God's Name and that God would establish his throne (2 Samuel 7:12-13). David later told Solomon that God had said Solomon would be a man of peace and would build the temple (1 Chronicles 22:9-10). For more on his father, see who was David in the Bible.
Becoming King
As David grew old, his son Adonijah declared himself king (1 Kings 1:5). Nathan and Bathsheba reminded David of his promise that Solomon would succeed him (1 Kings 1:11-21). David ordered Zadok the priest and Nathan to anoint Solomon at the Gihon spring, and the people shouted for the new king to live long (1 Kings 1:32-39).
Before his death, David charged Solomon to walk in obedience to the LORD and keep His decrees as written in the Law of Moses (1 Kings 2:1-4). Solomon then secured his throne, dealing with Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei (1 Kings 2:13-46).
Who Was Solomon in the Bible? The King Who Asked for Wisdom
At Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wanted (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon said he was like a little child who did not know how to carry out his duties (1 Kings 3:7). He asked:
"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (1 Kings 3:9)
God was pleased that Solomon had not asked for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies. He promised Solomon a wise and discerning heart, and also riches and honor (1 Kings 3:10-13). God added that if Solomon walked in obedience, He would give him a long life (1 Kings 3:14).
The Two Mothers
The first example of Solomon's wisdom is a legal case. Two women living in the same house each had a baby, and one baby died. Both claimed the living child (1 Kings 3:16-22). Solomon called for a sword and ordered the child cut in two. The real mother begged him to give the baby to the other woman rather than kill him, and Solomon gave the child to her (1 Kings 3:24-27). All Israel held the king in awe because they saw he had wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:28).
Proverbs, Songs, and Learning
The Bible says Solomon's wisdom was greater than that of all the people of the East and of Egypt (1 Kings 4:30). He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered 1,005 (1 Kings 4:32). He also spoke about plants, animals, birds, reptiles, and fish (1 Kings 4:33).
Building the Temple
Preparation
David had gathered materials for the temple but was not allowed to build it because he had shed much blood (1 Chronicles 22:6-8). Solomon made an agreement with Hiram, king of Tyre, for cedar and juniper logs (1 Kings 5:1-10). He conscripted laborers from all Israel (1 Kings 5:13-14).
Construction
Solomon began building the temple in the fourth year of his reign, 480 years after Israel came out of Egypt (1 Kings 6:1). The stones were prepared at the quarry, so no hammer or iron tool was heard at the temple site (1 Kings 6:7). The inner sanctuary was overlaid with pure gold (1 Kings 6:20-22). The work took seven years (1 Kings 6:38).
Dedication
The priests brought the ark of the covenant into the Most Holy Place, and the cloud of the LORD's glory filled the temple (1 Kings 8:6-11). Solomon stood before the altar with his hands spread toward heaven and prayed a long prayer, asking God to hear the prayers of His people and of foreigners who prayed toward that house (1 Kings 8:22-53). He acknowledged that even the highest heaven could not contain God (1 Kings 8:27).
God appeared to Solomon a second time and promised to establish his throne if he walked with integrity. He also warned that if Israel turned to other gods, He would reject the temple (1 Kings 9:1-9).
Wealth and Fame
Solomon also built a palace, which took thirteen years (1 Kings 7:1). He built a fleet of ships and received gold from Ophir (1 Kings 9:26-28). The weight of gold he received yearly was 666 talents (1 Kings 10:14).
The queen of Sheba traveled to test him with hard questions. After seeing his wisdom and his court, she praised the LORD his God and gave him large gifts (1 Kings 10:1-10). The text says King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth (1 Kings 10:23).
Solomon's Decline
The Law had warned that a king must not take many wives or accumulate large amounts of silver and gold, or his heart would be led astray (Deuteronomy 17:17). Solomon had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines, many from nations the LORD had told Israel not to intermarry with (1 Kings 11:1-3).
As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods. He followed Ashtoreth and Molek and built high places for Chemosh and Molek (1 Kings 11:4-8). The LORD became angry with him because his heart had turned away (1 Kings 11:9).
God told Solomon He would tear the kingdom away from his son, leaving one tribe for the sake of David and Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:11-13). God raised up adversaries against him, including Hadad the Edomite, Rezon, and Jeroboam, one of his own officials (1 Kings 11:14-26). The prophet Ahijah told Jeroboam he would rule ten tribes (1 Kings 11:29-31).
For the earlier king whose throne passed to David, see who was Saul in the Bible.
Solomon died after reigning forty years and was buried in the City of David. His son Rehoboam succeeded him (1 Kings 11:42-43). Soon after, the ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king (1 Kings 12:16-20).
Solomon's Writings
- Proverbs: Much of the book is attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 1:1; 10:1; 25:1). Some sections are attributed to Agur and King Lemuel (Proverbs 30:1; 31:1).
- Ecclesiastes: Opens by naming its author as the Teacher, a son of David who was king in Jerusalem (Ecclesiastes 1:1). Traditional authorship identifies the Teacher as Solomon.
- Song of Songs: Its opening verse names it as Solomon's song (Song of Songs 1:1).
- Psalms: Psalm 72 and Psalm 127 are titled as being of Solomon.
The "Wisdom of Solomon" is a separate book found in the Catholic and Orthodox Old Testament. It is not part of the Protestant canon, and its traditional link to Solomon is not stated in the Bible.
Key Lessons From Solomon's Life
- Wisdom comes from God. Solomon asked for a discerning heart, and God gave it (1 Kings 3:9-12).
- A good start does not guarantee a faithful finish. The same king who dedicated the temple later built places of worship for other gods (1 Kings 8:22; 11:7).
- God's warnings matter. The Law warned against many wives and riches, and God warned Solomon directly (Deuteronomy 17:17; 1 Kings 9:6-7).
- God keeps His promises. For David's sake, God left Solomon's line one tribe (1 Kings 11:12-13).
Where Solomon Appears in the Bible
- 2 Samuel 12:24-25: birth
- 1 Kings 1-11: reign
- 1 Chronicles 22, 28-29; 2 Chronicles 1-9: parallel account
- Nehemiah 13:26: cited as a warning
- Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Psalms 72 and 127
- Matthew 1:6-7; 6:29; 12:42: named by Jesus and in His genealogy
Jesus referred to Solomon twice, saying that Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like the lilies of the field, and that one greater than Solomon was present (Matthew 6:28-29; 12:42).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Solomon in the Bible?
Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba and reigned as king of Israel for forty years (2 Samuel 12:24; 1 Kings 11:42). He is known for his God-given wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem.
What did Solomon ask God for?
Solomon asked God for a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9). God granted this and also gave him riches and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13).
How many wives did Solomon have?
Solomon had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). The Bible says these wives turned his heart to other gods (1 Kings 11:4).
Which books of the Bible did Solomon write?
Solomon is named as author of much of Proverbs, of the Song of Songs, and of Psalms 72 and 127 (Proverbs 1:1; Song of Songs 1:1). Traditional authorship also credits him with Ecclesiastes.
What happened after Solomon died?
His son Rehoboam became king, and the ten northern tribes soon rebelled and made Jeroboam their king (1 Kings 11:43; 12:16-20). This divided the nation into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.