King · People associated with book · Old Testament
The Story of Solomon
Also: Sulemani (Kiswahili), Jedidiah
Son of David and Bathsheba, king of Israel known for wisdom, who built the temple in Jerusalem.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Solomon, son of David and Bathsheba, was made king by David. When the LORD offered him anything, he asked for an understanding heart to govern, and God gave him wisdom, riches and honour. 2 Samuel 12:241 Kings 1:391 Kings 3:5–14
He built the temple and dedicated it with prayer. In his later years his many wives turned his heart to other gods, and the LORD said the kingdom would be divided after him. 1 Kings 6:11 Kings 8:22–531 Kings 11:1–13
Told in: 1 Kings
Life at a glance
- Parents
- David and Bathsheba 2 Samuel 12:24
- Reign
- Forty years in Jerusalem over all Israel 1 Kings 11:42
- Son and successor
- Rehoboam 1 Kings 11:43
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Solomon
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Made king
When Adonijah claims the throne, David has Solomon anointed king at Gihon.
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People: David
Asks for wisdom
At Gibeon the LORD appears to Solomon in a dream; Solomon asks for an understanding heart, and God grants it.
Judgment between two mothers
Solomon discerns the true mother of a child, and Israel sees God's wisdom in him.
Building and dedicating the temple
1 Kings 6:1–38 · 1 Kings 8:1–66
Solomon builds the temple; the ark is brought in, the cloud fills the house, and Solomon prays at its dedication.
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Parallel account: 2 Chronicles 5:1–14 · 2 Chronicles 6:1–42
Places named: Jerusalem
The queen of Sheba
The queen of Sheba tests Solomon with questions and praises the LORD for his wisdom.
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Parallel account: 2 Chronicles 9:1–12
His heart turns away
Solomon's many wives turn his heart after other gods; the LORD raises adversaries and says the kingdom will be torn away. Solomon dies after forty years.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Solomon. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollection
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Matthew 6:29 — Not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these.
- Matthew 12:42 — Something greater than Solomon is here.
Family and relationships
- DavidFather2 Samuel 12:24
- BathshebaMother2 Samuel 12:24
- RehoboamSon and successor1 Kings 11:43
- BathshebaConnected: Son of Solomon2 Samuel 12:24
Books associated with Solomon
- 1 Kings Main narrative figure
- 2 Chronicles Main narrative figure
- Proverbs Named as author in the text
Proverbs names Solomon for several collections, and others for sections (Agur in chapter 30, King Lemuel in chapter 31). Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 10:1Proverbs 25:1
- Song of Solomon Traditionally attributed author
The heading names Solomon; it can be read as 'by', 'for' or 'about' Solomon. Song of Solomon 1:1
- Ecclesiastes Attributed author (attribution debated)
The book speaks as 'the Preacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem' without naming Solomon; tradition identifies him, and scholars debate it. Ecclesiastes 1:1
- Psalms Named as author in the text
Two psalms are headed with Solomon's name. Psalms 72:1Psalms 127:1
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
WisdomWorship
- What does Solomon ask for in 1 Kings 3:9, and why does it please God?
- What does Solomon's prayer (1 Kings 8:27) say about God and the temple?
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