Bible Building BlocksExplore. Understand. See the Big Picture.
Person

Solomon

David’s son, known for wisdom, who builds the temple and whose reign ends in division.

Teaching slide on Solomon asking God for wisdom in a dream at Gibeon, with 1 Kings 3:9 and a summary.
Teaching slide. Scripture is quoted from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation. The artwork is an illustrated reconstruction, not a photograph. Select the image to view it full size.
Teaching slide on Solomon building the temple, with 1 Kings 6:1, a note on the 480-year figure and the early and late Exodus dates, and a summary.
Teaching slide. Scripture is quoted from the Berean Standard Bible, a public-domain translation. The artwork is an illustrated reconstruction, not a photograph. Select the image to view it full size.

What the sources say, and how sure we are

  • The text says

    Solomon asks God for wisdom, builds the temple in Jerusalem over seven years, and receives wealth and visitors from other lands. His many foreign wives lead him to idolatry, and the kingdom divides after his death.1 Kgs 3; 1 Kgs 6:38; 1 Kgs 10; 1 Kgs 11

  • Outside evidence

    Josephus quotes Tyrian records that mention Hiram, king of Tyre, who supplied materials for the temple. An Egyptian relief at Karnak records the campaign of Shoshenq I (Shishak) shortly after Solomon’s death.Josephus, Against Apion 1.111; 1 Kgs 14:25

  • Debated

    Scholars disagree about the scale of Solomon’s building program. Gate complexes at Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer were once called “Solomonic,” but their dating is disputed. Authorship of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs is also debated; see those books.1 Kgs 9:15

  • Christian conclusion

    Jesus says that “something greater than Solomon is here.”Matt 12:42

Books

Related