Solomon, character of

Solomon was a man of outstanding gifts and abilities. Initially he was approved by God, but the latter years of his reign were marred by idolatry and apostasy.

Solomon's abilities

Wisdom

1 Kings 4:29 See also 1 Kings 3:7–12 parallel 2 Chronicles 1:8–12; 1 Kings 3:16–28, 1 Kings 10:6–7 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:5–6; Matthew 12:42

And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore.

Political shrewdness

1 Kings 3:1 See also 1 Kings 4:21, 1 Kings 10:13

Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem.

Dealing with individuals

1 Kings 2:35 See also 1 Kings 2:24, 1 Kings 2:27

And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.

Poetry and writing

1 Kings 4:32 See also PSA 72:0, PSA 127:0; Proverbs 1:1, Proverbs 10:1, Proverbs 25:1

Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five.

Solomon's righteousness

1 Kings 8:62–63 parallel 2 Chronicles 7:4–5 See also 1 Kings 3:6–15, 1 Kings 8:54–61, 1 Kings 8:65–66

Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD.

Solomon's sin

Nehemiah 13:26 See also Deuteronomy 17:16–17; 1 Kings 10:26, 1 Kings 10:28, 1 Kings 11:1, 1 Kings 11:4, 1 Kings 11:9–13

Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel— yet foreign women drew him into sin.

Solomon's splendour was renowned

Matthew 6:29 parallel Luke 12:27

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.