King Solomon Research Paper

1234 Words3 Pages

Introduction Solomon, also called Jedidiah, is known as an astonishingly wealthy and wise king of Israel who succeeded his father King David. According to the Scriptures, Solomon was the third and last king of the ancient United Kingdom of Israel. He was renowned for his wisdom, his prolific writings, and his building accomplishments. Born around 1010 BCE, Solomon was the tenth son of King David and the second son of Bathsheba. Like King Saul and King David, Solomon reigned for 40 years in one of Israel’s most prosperous periods in history. Solomon’s Reign During his reign, Solomon had control over trading routes coming out of Edom, Arabia, India, Judea, and Africa that allowed him to have an elaborate and constructive web of alliances. …show more content…

In 2 Samuel 3, King David, anointed by the prophet Samuel, was to be the replacement of King Saul. He officially became King of Judea in 1010 BCE as a result of King Saul’s demise. King David reigned for 40 years and like King Saul, it started off better than it ended. David’s initial zeal for God and for ethical integrity paved the way for his early fame and fortune, although being a man of warfare and blood (according to the Scriptures), God decided that David was not suitable to rebuild the Temple of God (this responsibility would be in the hands of his son, Solomon). Moreover, David’s illicit affair, the rape of Tamar, and the murder of Ammon, as well as other devious actions, complicated David’s reign even …show more content…

Solomon implored, “Now, O Lord God, let your promise to David my father be established, for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge” (2 Chronicles 1:9). Solomon’s request impressed God, and he received not only knowledge and wisdom, but also “…riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like” (2 Chronicles 1). Since this moment in history, Solomon has been revered as the wisest man to have ever lived. Solomon’s Temple King Solomon sponsored, planned, funded, and executed the building of the Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant, per the wishes of his father, King David, and God. The building of the Temple is recorded in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, with the ground-breaking beginning in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign. Construction was completed seven years later with an extravagant dedication. Solomon sacrificed 22,000 oxen and 120,000 to celebrate the Temple’s completion and God’s willingness to dwell among them.

Open Document