Solomon

Who was Solomon in the Bible?

The third king of Israel who built the First Temple in Jerusalem and was renowned for his God-given wisdom and immense wealth during the United Monarchy.

Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba, designated by God to succeed his father and lead the nation of Israel into an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Known as 'Jedidiah' (meaning 'beloved of the Lord') by the prophet Nathan, Solomon’s reign marked the peak of the United Monarchy. His administration was characterized by administrative sophistication, international trade, and monumental construction projects, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem.

Despite his early devotion and plea for wisdom to lead God's people, Solomon's later years were marked by spiritual decline. His vast harem of foreign wives influenced him to build high places for pagan deities, leading to a divine decree that the kingdom would be divided after his death. Nevertheless, his legacy remains central to the biblical narrative as a symbol of wisdom, a prolific author of proverbs and songs, and the builder of God’s earthly dwelling place.

Background and Family

Solomon was born in Jerusalem during the latter part of King David’s reign. He was the son of Bathsheba, the former wife of Uriah the Hittite. Though David had several older sons from different wives—including Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah—the Lord specifically chose Solomon to be the heir to the throne. 2 Samuel 12:24 notes that the Lord loved the child from his birth, and the prophet Nathan gave him the name Jedidiah.

Solomon’s rise to power was not without conflict. As David approached death, his eldest surviving son, Adonijah, attempted to seize the throne. However, Nathan and Bathsheba intervened, reminding the aged king of his oath that Solomon would reign. David ordered Solomon to be anointed at Gibeon, riding on the king’s own mule, which effectively ended Adonijah's rebellion. Solomon was the fourth son born to Bathsheba and David in Jerusalem, according to 1 Chronicles 3:5.

Major Life Events

The Request for Wisdom

Early in his reign, Solomon traveled to the high place at Gibeon to offer sacrifices. In a dream, the Lord appeared to him and invited him to ask for anything he desired. Recognizing his youth and the heavy responsibility of ruling, Solomon did not ask for long life or riches, but for an 'understanding heart' to discern between good and evil. Pleased with this request, God granted him wisdom exceeding all others, along with the wealth and honor he had not requested.

The Building of the Temple

Solomon’s most significant achievement was the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. David had made extensive preparations and gathered materials, but he was forbidden from building it because he was a man of war. Solomon, a 'man of rest,' oversaw the seven-year project using cedar from Lebanon and gold from Ophir. The dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8) was a pinnacle of Israelite history, featuring Solomon’s lengthy prayer of dedication and the visible presence of the glory of the Lord filling the house.

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba

Solomon’s fame spread throughout the known world. The Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance to test him with hard questions. Upon seeing the order of his court, the quality of his food, and the depth of his wisdom, she remarked that the reports she had heard did not even tell half of the reality of his greatness. This interaction underscored Solomon’s role as a light to the nations.

Spiritual Decline and End of Reign

In direct violation of the Mosaic Law regarding kings, Solomon accumulated a massive number of horses from Egypt and took many foreign wives—700 wives and 300 concubines. These women turned his heart toward their gods, including Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech. Solomon built high places for these idols on the hill east of Jerusalem. As a result, God raised up adversaries like Hadad the Edomite and Rezon of Damascus, and eventually informed Solomon that the kingdom would be torn away from his son.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Solomon’s primary relationship was with his father, David, whose charge he received to walk in the ways of the Lord to ensure the endurance of the Davidic line. He also had a complex relationship with his half-brother Adonijah, whom he eventually executed for continuing to pursue the throne through a request for Abishag the Shunammite. Solomon maintained a long-standing alliance with Hiram, King of Tyre, who provided materials for the Temple.

In the New Testament, Solomon is frequently referenced. Jesus mentions Solomon’s glory when comparing it to the lilies of the field and identifies Himself as 'one greater than Solomon' who has come to bring wisdom and salvation (Matthew 12:42).

Spiritual Significance

Solomon serves as a complex figure of both promise and warning. He represents the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant in the physical realm—ruling over a vast territory, building the Temple, and enjoying peace. His wisdom, preserved in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, remains a foundational pillar of biblical ethics and poetry.

However, his life also serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of syncretism and the gradual erosion of devotion. His failure to maintain an undivided heart resulted in the fracture of the nation. Theologically, Solomon points forward to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David and Prince of Peace, who builds a spiritual temple not made with hands and whose wisdom is perfect and eternal.

Solomon occupies a unique theological position as the builder of the First Temple, which centralized Jewish worship and became the dwelling place of God's presence on earth. His reign is viewed as the 'Golden Age' of Israel, fulfilling the geographical promises made to Abraham. As a type of Christ, his peaceful reign and wisdom prefigure the Messianic kingdom, yet his personal failures emphasize the need for a King who will not turn away from God's commands. His contributions to the Wisdom Literature of the Bible—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon—provide the framework for biblical living and the exploration of the meaning of life under the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Solomon's mother?

Solomon's mother was Bathsheba, the daughter of Ammiel and wife of King David.

Why did Solomon build the Temple?

Solomon built the Temple because God had chosen him to do so, telling David that his son would be a man of rest who would build a house for His Name.

How many wives did Solomon have?

The Bible records that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, many of whom were from foreign nations like Moab, Ammon, and Egypt.

What was Solomon's other name?

The prophet Nathan called him 'Jedidiah,' which means 'beloved of the Lord,' by the word of the Lord.

Who succeeded Solomon as king?

Solomon was succeeded by his son Rehoboam, whose mother was Naamah the Ammonite.

Family & Relationships

Parents

Portrait of SolomonSolomonThis page
  • Portrait of AbsalomAbsalomBrother1 Kings 2:7–12Stated
  • Portrait of Adonijah, Son of DavidAdonijah, Son of DavidBrother1 Kings 2:22Stated
  • Portrait of Amnon, Firstborn Son of DavidAmnon, Firstborn Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 12:24
    Inferred

    Reconstructed through David: 2 Samuel 12:24 ties Solomon to David; 2 Samuel 3:2 ties David to Amnon. No verse states the brother link between Solomon and Amnon directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 12:24; 2 Samuel 13:1

  • Portrait of ChileabChileabBrother2 Samuel 3:2
    Inferred

    Reconstructed through Abigail and David: 2 Samuel 3:3 ties Chileab to Abigail (itself an inferred link); 1 Samuel 25:39 ties Abigail to David; 2 Samuel 12:24 ties David to Solomon. No verse states the brother link between Chileab and Solomon directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:2; 2 Samuel 12:24

  • Portrait of Eliada, Son of DavidEliada, Son of DavidBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–8Stated
  • Portrait of Eliphelet, Son of DavidEliphelet, Son of DavidBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–6Stated
  • Portrait of Elishama, Son of DavidElishama, Son of DavidBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–8Stated
  • Portrait of ElishuaElishuaBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–6Stated
  • Portrait of IbharIbharBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–6Stated
  • Portrait of IthreamIthreamBrother2 Samuel 3:5
    Inferred

    Reconstructed through David: 2 Samuel 12:24 ties Solomon to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Solomon and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 2 Samuel 12:24

  • Portrait of Japhia, Son of DavidJaphia, Son of DavidBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–7Stated
  • Portrait of Nathan, Son of DavidNathan, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14Stated
  • Portrait of Nepheg, Son of DavidNepheg, Son of DavidBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–7Stated
  • Portrait of Shammua, Son of DavidShammua, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 5:14
    Inferred

    2 Samuel 5:14 names Shammua and Solomon in the same verse but does not state a brother tie between them; the link rests on the surrounding narrative.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14

  • Portrait of Shephatiah, Son of DavidShephatiah, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:4
    Inferred

    Reconstructed through Adonijah: 1 Kings 2:22 ties Solomon to Adonijah; 2 Samuel 3:4 ties Adonijah to Shephatiah. No verse states the brother link between Solomon and Shephatiah directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:4; 2 Samuel 12:24

  • Portrait of Shobab, Son of DavidShobab, Son of DavidBrother1 Chronicles 3:5Stated
  • Portrait of Tamar, Daughter of DavidTamar, Daughter of DavidSister1 Chronicles 3:9–10Stated
  • Portrait of ElpeletElpeletBrother2 Samuel 5:14
    Inferred

    No verse names Solomon and Elpelet together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 5:14

  • Portrait of NogahNogahBrother1 Chronicles 3:5–7Stated
  • Portrait of Jerimoth, Son of DavidJerimoth, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 12:24
    Inferred

    Reconstructed through Rehoboam: 2 Chronicles 11:18 ties Jerimoth to Rehoboam (itself an inferred link); 1 Kings 12:6 ties Rehoboam to Solomon. No verse states the brother link between Jerimoth and Solomon directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 12:24; 2 Chronicles 11:18

Children

Extended family

  • Portrait of Eliam, Father of BathshebaEliam, Father of BathshebaGrandfather2 Samuel 11:3
    Inferred

    Reconstructed through Bathsheba: 2 Samuel 12:24 ties Solomon to Bathsheba; 2 Samuel 11:3 ties Bathsheba to Eliam. No verse states the grandfather link between Solomon and Eliam directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 12:24; 1 Kings 1:11; 1 Kings 2:13; 1 Chronicles 3:5

  • Portrait of Attai, Son of RehoboamAttai, Son of RehoboamGrandson2 Chronicles 11:18
    Inferred

    Reconstructed through Abijah and Rehoboam: 2 Chronicles 11:20 ties Attai to Abijah; Matthew 1:7 ties Abijah to Rehoboam; 1 Kings 12:6 ties Rehoboam to Solomon. No verse states the grandfather link between Attai and Solomon directly.Evidence: 2 Chronicles 11:18; 2 Chronicles 11:20; 1 Kings 12:6; 1 Kings 12:21; 1 Kings 12:23; 1 Kings 14:21

Connected Figures

Family

Categories

Mentions by Book

  • 2 Samuel7
  • 1 Kings145
  • 2 Kings4
  • 1 Chronicles28
  • 2 Chronicles78
  • Ezra2
  • Nehemiah5
  • Psalms2
  • Proverbs3
  • Song of Solomon7
  • Jeremiah1
  • Matthew4
  • Luke2
  • John1
  • Acts3

Scripture References

All 292 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.

  • 2 Samuel 3:2Partial

    And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 2 Samuel 3:4Partial

    his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 2 Samuel 3:5Partial

    and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 2 Samuel 5:14

    These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

  • 2 Samuel 11:3Partial

    So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”

    Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.

  • 2 Samuel 12:24

    Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child

  • 2 Samuel 12:25

    and sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah because the LORD loved him.

Books They Appear In