United monarchy

Solomon

King of Israel and son of David

Also known as: Jedidiah

Editorial status

Reviewed against Scripture references. Links open the cited WEB passages.

Profile

Solomon succeeds David as king, asks God for wisdom, oversees the construction and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, and becomes known for wealth and international influence. Kings also records that his many foreign wives turned his heart toward other gods.

Relationships

David

Father

Basis: 2 Samuel 12:24; 1 Kings 1

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Bathsheba

Mother

Basis: 2 Samuel 12:24; 1 Kings 1

Rehoboam

Son and successor

Basis: 1 Kings 11:43; 1 Kings 12

Major events

Accession to the throne

Solomon is established as David’s successor.

1 Kings 1–2

Request for wisdom

Solomon asks for an understanding heart to judge the people.

1 Kings 3:3–28

Temple dedication

Solomon dedicates the temple in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 8

Later unfaithfulness

The narrative criticizes Solomon’s turn toward other gods.

1 Kings 11:1–13

Interpretation boundary: Several biblical books are traditionally associated with Solomon. This profile does not treat every traditional attribution as an uncontested authorship claim.