In brief
Solomon is the son of David who succeeds his father as king of Israel, around 970 BC by the usual reckoning. At Gibeon he asks God for an understanding heart to judge the people, and God answers generously. He builds the temple in Jerusalem and his fame reaches the nations. But his many foreign wives turn his heart toward other gods, and the kingdom will be divided after him.
What does the name Solomon mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew word meaning "peace." He reigns over a time of peace for Israel, and the Bible presents David as the warrior king who prepared the way for him.
The story of Solomon
The Request for Wisdom
1 Kings 3:4-15At Gibeon, Solomon offers a thousand burnt offerings. God appears to him in a dream and tells him to ask for whatever he wants. Feeling young and inexperienced, Solomon asks for an understanding heart to govern the people and discern good from evil. God grants this and adds riches and honor.
The Judgment Between Two Mothers
1 Kings 3:16-28Two women argue over a living child. Solomon calls for a sword to divide the child in two. The real mother, moved with compassion, would rather the child be given to the other woman so that he may live. The king gives her son back. All Israel sees that God's wisdom is in him to render justice.
The Building of the Temple
1 Kings 6:1-14In the fourth year of his reign, Solomon begins to build the house of the Lord. While the work is underway, God speaks to him: if he walks in his statutes and keeps his commandments, God will fulfill the promise he made to David and will dwell among Israel. The promise remains tied to obedience.
The Visit of the Queen of Sheba
1 Kings 10:1-13The Queen of Sheba, who has heard of his fame, comes to test him with hard questions. Solomon answers everything. Amazed by his wisdom, his house and his service, she blesses the Lord, who set this king on the throne out of love for Israel. She gives gold, spices and precious stones.
The Heart That Turns Away
1 Kings 11:1-13Solomon loves many foreign women, despite the prohibition given to Israel. In his old age they turn his heart toward other gods, and he builds high places for them. The Lord is angry and announces that the kingdom will be torn apart, though not in Solomon's lifetime, for the sake of David.
What Solomon teaches us
- Ask God for wisdom before riches: God loves to give what we ask of him in order to serve others.
- God's gifts do not excuse us from persevering in obedience, because a heart can drift away little by little.
- The alliances and influences we accept shape the heart, so it is better to choose them carefully.
- God's faithfulness to his promises does not depend on the perfection of those he uses.
Key verses
Solomon asks God for an understanding heart to judge his people and to discern between good and evil. His prayer shows that he knows he depends on God in order to govern.
While the temple is being built, God recalls the condition: walking in his statutes. He then promises to dwell among Israel and not to forsake his people.
In Solomon's old age, his wives turn his heart toward other gods. His heart is no longer wholly devoted to the Lord, as David's heart had been.
Frequently asked questions
Why did God choose Solomon?
The Bible presents Solomon as the son of David who succeeds him on the throne, according to the promise made to David. At Gibeon, God is pleased with his request for an understanding heart rather than for wealth. God takes the initiative and grants him his grace.
What does the name Solomon mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew word meaning "peace." The Bible does not develop this meaning in the chapters about his reign, but his reign is presented as a time of peace and prosperity for Israel, before his fall.
Where can I find the story of Solomon in the Bible?
It is found mainly in 1 Kings 1 to 11 and in 2 Chronicles 1 to 9. The books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs are traditionally attributed to him, and Psalm 72 is linked to him in its title.