Solomon(989 av. J.-C. — 930 av. J.-C.)
Solomon
Monarchie unifiée d'Israël et Juda
8 min read
King of Israel (c. 970–931 BCE), son of David, renowned for his legendary wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem. A major figure in the Hebrew Bible, he embodies justice and knowledge in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Famous Quotes
« Then two women who were harlots came to the king and stood before him. The one woman said, 'Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house; and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone; there was no one else with us in the house, just the two of us in the house. This woman's son died in the night, because she lay on it.' »
« The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. »
Key Facts
- c. 970 BCE: ascension to the throne of Israel following his father David
- c. 966–960 BCE: construction of the Temple of Jerusalem, the kingdom's main religious sanctuary
- Famous judgment involving two women both claiming a child: he proposes to cut the child in two in order to identify the true mother
- Visit of the Queen of Sheba, symbolizing the kingdom's diplomatic and commercial relations
- c. 931 BCE: death of Solomon and division of the Kingdom of Israel
Works & Achievements
A landmark architectural and religious achievement, the Temple became the spiritual center of the Kingdom of Israel. Its construction symbolizes the pinnacle of Solomon's reign and the religious unification of Israel.
A collection of maxims and practical wisdom passed down through biblical tradition. This work embodies Solomon's legendary reputation as a master of wisdom and justice.
A lyrical biblical poem celebrating love and beauty, traditionally attributed to Solomon. This work holds a unique place in ancient Hebrew literature.
Solomon divided the kingdom into 12 districts for efficient administrative management and strengthened central authority. This reform consolidated royal power and ensured the stability of the kingdom.
Solomon established major trade routes and forged alliances with neighboring kingdoms, most notably Egypt. These policies enriched Israel and secured its economic prosperity.
A biblical philosophical work exploring the meaning of life and the vanity of human endeavors. This book reflects a reflective and critical wisdom attributed to Solomon.
Anecdotes
Solomon inherited the throne of Israel after the death of his father David around 970 BCE. According to the Bible, he prayed to God asking not for wealth or power, but for wisdom to govern his people well. This request earned him his legendary reputation as a wise king, capable of delivering fair and just judgments.
King Solomon is famous for building the Temple of Jerusalem, the most important place of worship in ancient Judaism. Constructed around 960–950 BCE, the Temple reportedly took seven years to complete and required thousands of workers. It became the religious and political heart of the kingdom of Israel.
Solomon greatly expanded and enriched the kingdom of Israel by developing trade, most notably with the Queen of Sheba, a region in what is now southern Arabia. These commercial and diplomatic exchanges made his reign a period of economic prosperity and international prestige for Israel.
Solomon's famous judgment involving two women both claiming the same baby illustrates his proverbial wisdom: he proposed cutting the child in two, which revealed the true mother — who gave up her claim rather than see her child killed. This story, told in the Bible, shows how Solomon used intelligence to uncover the truth.
By the end of his reign, Solomon had reportedly amassed enormous wealth in gold and silver, and according to biblical accounts had 700 wives and 300 concubines. This opulence reflects the power of the kingdom in the 10th century BCE, though some details were likely embellished by tradition.
Primary Sources
King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
Solomon said to God: You have shown great steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O LORD God, let your promise to David my father now be fulfilled.
I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
A list of conquered cities including references to Levantine kingdoms contemporary with Solomon, attesting to the existence of organized kingdoms in Israel.
Key Places
Capital of the Kingdom of Israel and seat of Solomon's royal power. It was in Jerusalem that he established his court and governed his kingdom.
A major monument built during Solomon's reign (around 960–950 BCE). This temple, known as the First Temple, became the religious and symbolic heart of ancient Judaism.
Birthplace of his father David and an important region of Solomon's kingdom. It symbolizes the origins of the Davidic dynasty, of which Solomon was the heir.
Region in the northern part of the Kingdom of Israel where Solomon established military garrisons and administrative centers to consolidate his power.
A commercial port on the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba) developed under Solomon to promote maritime trade and exchange with neighboring kingdoms.
Phoenician city with which Solomon maintained important commercial and diplomatic relations, particularly for the supply of building materials for the Temple.
