King Solomon is one of the most significant figures in the Hebrew Bible and is remembered for his wisdom, wealth, and contributions to the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marked the height of the united kingdom of Israel before it split into the northern and southern kingdoms. Solomon’s story is primarily told in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, as well as in the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs, which are traditionally attributed to him. His life and reign have made him a central figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
Bible Solomon Family Tree
King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible. His family tree is an important part of the biblical narrative. Below is a breakdown of Solomon’s family tree:
Solomon’s Parents
Father: King David (second king of Israel)
David’s line is traced through the tribe of Judah. He is known for uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the capital.
Mother: Bathsheba (daughter of Eliam)
Bathsheba is the widow of King David’s predecessor, King Uriah, and became David’s wife after Uriah’s death. Her story is famously marked by the events surrounding the affair with David that led to the death of Uriah.
Solomon’s Siblings
Solomon had several siblings, some of whom played prominent roles in the biblical narrative:
Amnon (Solomon’s half-brother) — The firstborn son of David and Ahinoam. Amnon was killed by his brother Absalom.
Absalom (Solomon’s half-brother) — A key figure in the Bible, Absalom rebelled against King David and tried to seize the throne before being killed in battle.
Adonijah (Solomon’s half-brother) — Adonijah attempted to claim the throne before Solomon but was later executed by Solomon after his attempt to undermine him.
Tamar (Solomon’s half-sister) — The sister of Absalom, who was assaulted by Amnon, leading to a conflict between her brothers.
Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon — Four sons born to Bathsheba by King David. Solomon is the most prominent of these sons.
Solomon’s Wife(s) and Children
King Solomon is known for having many wives and concubines, as recorded in the Bible. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, many of whom were from foreign nations, which was a common practice for political alliances.
Main Wife: The Bible mentions a significant marriage to the Pharaoh’s daughter, though the details are not heavily emphasized.
Other Notable Wives and Children:
Rehoboam — Solomon’s son by Naamah the Ammonite. Rehoboam succeeded Solomon as king of Judah after Solomon’s death. His reign marked the division of the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
Solomon’s reign was marked by wisdom, wealth, and peace, but his later years were marred by idolatry and political intrigue, primarily due to his foreign wives influencing his faith.
4. Grandparents of Solomon:
Paternal Grandfather: Obed (son of Boaz and Ruth)
Paternal Grandmother: Ruth (Moabite woman, great-grandmother of David)
Maternal Grandfather: Ammiel (father of Bathsheba)
Maternal Grandmother: Unknown
The complex relationships and dynamics within Solomon’s family contributed to the challenges that arose during and after his reign.
Scriptures about Solomon
King Solomon is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his wisdom, wealth, and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. His story is primarily found in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, and his writings are included in books such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Here are some key scriptures about Solomon:
1 Kings 3:5-14: “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’ Solomon answered, ‘You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 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?’ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as your father David did, I will give you a long life.'”
1 Kings 3:16-28: “Now two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. One of them said, ‘Pardon me, my lord,’ this woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us. During the night this woman’s son died because she lay on him. So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I, your servant, was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast.’ The king said, ‘Bring me a sword.’ So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: ‘Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.’ The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, ‘Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!’ But the other said, ‘Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!’ Then the king gave his ruling: ‘Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.'”
1 Kings 6:1-14: “In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the temple of the Lord. The temple that King Solomon built for the Lord was sixty cubits long, twenty wide, and thirty high. The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple extended the width of the temple, that is, twenty cubits, and projected ten cubits from the front of the temple. He made for the temple a structure around the main hall, an inner sanctuary, and he lined the walls with cedar boards.”
1 Kings 10:23-25: “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, and robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.”
Proverbs 1:1-7: “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
1 Kings 9:1-9: “When Solomon had finished building the temple of the Lord, the royal palace, and had achieved all he had desired to do, the Lord appeared to him a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. The Lord said to him: ‘I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’ But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. And though this temple is now imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them— that is why the Lord brought all this disaster on them.'”
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11: “The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: ‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’ What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.”
Story of Solomon in the Bible
King Solomon, one of the most renowned figures in the Bible, is remembered for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem. He was the son of King David and Bathsheba and reigned as the third king of Israel after his father, David, and King Saul. Solomon’s story is detailed primarily in the Books of 1 Kings (1-11), 2 Chronicles (1-9), and parts of the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, which are traditionally attributed to him.
1. Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Solomon’s journey to kingship was not without challenges. Though he was chosen by God and favored by his father David, his ascension faced opposition, particularly from his half-brother Adonijah, who sought to claim the throne for himself. At the urging of Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan, David declared Solomon as his successor. Solomon was anointed king, and Adonijah’s attempt to usurp the throne was thwarted (1 Kings 1).
David, on his deathbed, charged Solomon to follow God’s commandments and walk in His ways, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God for a successful reign (1 Kings 2:1-4).
2. Solomon’s Request for Wisdom
After ascending the throne, Solomon demonstrated humility and dependence on God. When God appeared to him in a dream at Gibeon and offered to grant him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding to govern the people justly, rather than wealth, power, or a long life (1 Kings 3:5-9).
God was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted him unparalleled wisdom. In addition, God promised Solomon riches, honor, and a long life, provided he remained faithful and obedient to Him (1 Kings 3:10-14).
3. The Wisdom of Solomon
Solomon’s wisdom became legendary and was demonstrated in numerous ways. One of the most famous examples is the Judgment of Solomon, in which two women claimed to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon proposed to cut the baby in half, giving each woman a portion. The true mother, out of love, begged Solomon to spare the child and give him to the other woman, revealing her identity. This judgment solidified Solomon’s reputation for discerning justice (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Solomon’s wisdom extended to many areas, including science, governance, and literature. He is credited with composing 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). His insights into nature, plants, and animals also drew admiration from leaders and scholars worldwide.
4. Building the Temple
One of Solomon’s most significant accomplishments was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a task entrusted to him by his father, David. Solomon undertook this massive project to provide a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and to honor God (1 Kings 5-7).
The Temple was a magnificent structure, built with the finest materials, including cedar from Lebanon and gold. Solomon dedicated the Temple with a grand ceremony and a heartfelt prayer, asking God to bless Israel and hear the prayers of His people when they turned to the Temple (1 Kings 8:22-53). God appeared to Solomon again, affirming His presence in the Temple and reiterating the importance of Solomon’s obedience (1 Kings 9:1-9).
5. Solomon’s Wealth and Achievements
Under Solomon’s reign, Israel experienced a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Solomon’s wealth was vast, as he controlled important trade routes and engaged in commerce with neighboring nations. He built a grand palace, established strong alliances, and maintained a powerful navy and army.
One notable visit during his reign was from the Queen of Sheba, who came to test Solomon’s wisdom with hard questions. She was so impressed by his answers, his wealth, and the splendor of his kingdom that she praised Solomon and acknowledged the greatness of his God (1 Kings 10:1-13).
6. Solomon’s Downfall
Despite his wisdom and initial faithfulness, Solomon’s later years were marked by significant failures. He violated God’s commandments by marrying many foreign women—700 wives and 300 concubines—who led him to worship their gods (1 Kings 11:1-8). This idolatry angered God and tarnished Solomon’s legacy.
As a consequence of Solomon’s disobedience, God declared that the kingdom would be torn away from his lineage, though not during Solomon’s lifetime out of respect for David. Instead, the kingdom would be divided after Solomon’s death, with only a portion remaining under the rule of his descendants (1 Kings 11:9-13).
7. Death and Legacy
Solomon reigned for 40 years and was succeeded by his son Rehoboam. True to God’s word, the kingdom split after Solomon’s death, with the northern tribes forming the kingdom of Israel and the southern tribes becoming the kingdom of Judah under Rehoboam’s rule.
Solomon’s legacy is complex. He is remembered for his wisdom, his contributions to biblical literature, and the construction of the Temple. However, his later years serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, disobedience, and turning away from God.
Solomon In The Bible Meaning
The name Solomon holds significant meaning in the Bible and is closely tied to his role as the wisest and wealthiest king of Israel. The name Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה, Sh’lomoh) comes from the Hebrew root shalom (שָׁלוֹם), which means “peace,” “wholeness,” or “well-being.” His name reflects the peace and prosperity that characterized much of his reign.
Symbolism of the Name “Solomon”
The name Solomon embodies several key themes:
Peace: His name reflects the relative tranquility of his reign and God’s promise to David that his son would rule in peace (1 Chronicles 22:9).
Wisdom: Solomon symbolizes the pursuit of divine wisdom, a gift he received through humility and prayer.
Fulfillment of Promises: Solomon’s life illustrates the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David, including the establishment of a temple and a strong kingdom.
The name Solomon means “peace” and signifies a period of tranquility and prosperity in Israel’s history. As a king known for his wisdom, monumental achievements, and spiritual lessons, Solomon’s life offers profound insights into the blessings of seeking God’s guidance and the consequences of turning away from Him.
FAQs About Solomon
1. What was Solomon known for in the Bible?
Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is known for his wisdom, wealth, and building achievements. He famously asked God for wisdom to rule Israel, which God granted along with riches and honor. Solomon is also celebrated for constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity, but his later years were marred by idolatry influenced by his foreign wives.
2. What does the story of Solomon teach us?
The story of Solomon teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom from God, as well as the dangers of straying from God’s commandments. His early reign demonstrates how dependence on God leads to success and blessing. However, his downfall, caused by marrying foreign wives and worshiping their gods, serves as a cautionary tale about compromising faith and the consequences of disobedience.
3. Why did Solomon marry many wives?
Solomon married many wives, often for political alliances and diplomatic purposes. Marrying daughters of foreign kings was a common practice in the ancient Near East to secure peace and strengthen ties between nations. However, this practice led him to compromise his devotion to God, as his wives influenced him to worship their idols, ultimately angering God.
4. What happened to Israel after Solomon’s death?
After Solomon’s death, the kingdom of Israel split into two due to political unrest and dissatisfaction with Solomon’s heavy taxation and forced labor. His son Rehoboam’s harsh policies led to a rebellion, dividing the kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Rehoboam. This division weakened the nation and led to years of conflict.
5. What is the death of Solomon?
Solomon’s death is recorded in 1 Kings 11:43. He died after a reign of 40 years and was buried in the City of David. The Bible does not provide specific details about the circumstances of his death, but it marks the end of a united Israel and the beginning of a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, with the kingdom splitting soon after.