Top 20 Facts About King Solomon

Top 20 Facts About King Solomon

*Originally published by Ruth in June 2023 and Updated by Ian. S in March 2024

King Solomon was one of the most famous and influential rulers in history. Solomon is best known for his great wisdom and wealth. He was said to be able to solve any problem, and he was also a gifted judge. Solomon’s wealth was legendary, and he was said to have more gold and silver than any other king in the world.

In addition to his wisdom and wealth, Solomon was also a skilled diplomat and a patron of the arts. He built the First Temple in Jerusalem, and he also commissioned many works of art and literature. Solomon’s reign was a time of peace and prosperity for Israel, and he is still revered today as one of the greatest kings in the history of the world.

In this article, we highlight the top 20 facts about King Solomon.

1. King Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba

Solomon was born in Jerusalem, the second-born child of David and his wife Bathsheba, who was also the widow of Uriah the Hittite. Solomon had three named full brothers born to Bathsheba: Nathan, Shammua, and Shobab, besides six known older half-brothers born of as many mothers.

2. He was born in Jerusalem

According to scripture, Solomon was born in Jerusalem as the second son of King David and Bathsheba.

Their first child, conceived in an adulterous relationship while Bathsheba’s husband Uriah was still alive, died seven days after birth, which is suggested to be a judgment from God. Solomon was born after David and Bathsheba married following Uriah’s death.

As the child of David’s union with Bathsheba, Solomon was in line to be David’s heir as king in Jerusalem. Biblical accounts indicate Solomon was born in the capital city which was the seat of his father’s kingdom.

3. King Solomon was vastly known for his wisdom

18-century icon painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Solomon was the biblical king most famous for his wisdom. In 1 Kings he sacrificed to God, and God later appeared to him in a dream, asking what Solomon wanted from God. 

Solomon asked for wisdom to better rule and guide his people. Pleased, God personally answered Solomon’s prayer, promising him great wisdom because he did not ask for self-serving rewards like long life or the death of his enemies.

4. King Solomon was the third king of Israel

Solomon was the successor of David, according to the Old Testament in the Bible. Solomon, as instructed by David, began his reign with an extensive purge, including his father’s chief general, Joab, among others, and further consolidated his position by appointing friends throughout the administration, including in religious positions as well as in civic and military posts. It is said that Solomon ascended to the throne when he was only about fifteen.

5. The First Temple in Jerusalem was built by King Solomon

Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia

The Bible says Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem, dedicating the temple to God. Solomon is described as undertaking the construction of the temple, with the help of an architect, also named Hiram, and other materials, sent from King Hiram of Tyre. After the completion of the temple, Solomon is described in the biblical narrative as erecting many other buildings of importance in Jerusalem. 

6. King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines

According to the biblical account, Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. The wives were described as foreign princesses, including Pharaoh’s daughter and women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and the Hittites. The biblical narrative notes with disapproval that Solomon permitted his foreign wives to import their national deities, building temples to Ashtoreth and Milcom.

His marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter appears to have cemented a political alliance with Egypt, whereas he clung to his other wives and concubines. The only wife mentioned by name is Naamah the Ammonite, mother of Solomon’s successor, Rehoboam.

7. The Queen of Sheba was so impressed by King Solomon’s wisdom that she visited him

Edward Poynter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bible describes how the fame of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth reached even the far-off Queen of Sheba. The queen is described as visiting with gifts including gold, spices, and precious stones. When Solomon gave her all her desires, whatsoever she asked, she left satisfied.

8. King Solomon was a prolific writer who wrote the biblical books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon

Solomon has traditionally been considered the author of several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs as well as later apocryphal writings such as the Wisdom of Solomon.

Solomon is said to have written over 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs.

9. King Solomon’s name means friend of God

Yitzilitt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The life of Solomon is primarily described in 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 2 Chronicles. His two names mean peaceful and friend of God, both considered predictive of the character of his reign.

10. After King Solomon’s death, the kingdom of Israel split into two 

King Solomon is described as having been the penultimate ruler of an amalgamated Israel and Judah. The hypothesized dates of Solomon’s reign are from 970–931 BCE. After his death, his son and successor Rehoboam adopted a harsh policy towards the northern tribes, eventually leading to the splitting of the Israelites between the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south. 

11. King Solomon is credited with building numerous impressive structures with his palace being one of them

Sartain, John, 1808-1897, engraver; Schussele, Christian, 1826?-1879, artist; Harrison, Joseph, Jr., 1810-1874., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

King Solomon is traditionally credited with constructing grand structures, including the First Temple in Jerusalem, also known as Solomon’s Temple. The temple was a symbol of prosperity and divine worship.

Additionally, biblical accounts attribute the construction of a magnificent palace to King Solomon, reflecting his opulence and wisdom. However, historical evidence is limited, and interpretations vary.

The biblical narrative emphasizes Solomon’s architectural achievements, portraying him as a wise and wealthy ruler.

12. His wives led him to worship false gods

According to biblical narratives, King Solomon’s numerous foreign wives are depicted as a factor in his turning away from the worship of the God of Israel.

In 1 Kings 11:4-6, it is stated that Solomon’s heart was led astray by his foreign wives, and he started to build high places for the worship of their gods. His actions are portrayed as disobedience to God’s command, resulting in divine displeasure.

The biblical account underscores the consequences of interfaith marriages and foreign alliances, framing Solomon’s deviation as a moral failure that contributed to the eventual downfall of his reign and the division of the United Kingdom after his death.

13. King Solomon was considered a prophet in Judaism and Islam

Frumious Bander, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Judaism, King Solomon is formally recognized as a prophet, but he is revered for his wisdom and as the builder of the First Temple in Jerusalem. In Islam, however, Solomon (Sulaiman in Arabic) holds a prominent prophetic role.

The Quran depicts him as a prophet, king, and wise ruler, gifted with the ability to communicate with animals and control the jinn. Islamic tradition emphasizes Solomon’s justice and piety.

While the religious perspectives might differ, both traditions acknowledge Solomon’s significance, with Islam specifically venerating him as a prophet within the line of Islamic prophethood.

14. His wisdom is said to be a gift from God from a revelation from a dream

According to biblical accounts in 1 Kings 3:5-14, King Solomon’s wisdom is believed to be a divine gift. In a dream at Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon and offered to grant him any request.

Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people justly. Pleased with his selfless request, God not only granted him extraordinary wisdom but also promised wealth and a long life.

The famous story highlights Solomon’s humility and his prioritization of wise leadership, showcasing the belief that his wisdom was a direct result of a divine revelation in response to his earnest plea in the dream at Gibeon.

15. King Solomon is said to have composed many songs and psalms

Jojojoe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While King Solomon is traditionally credited with composing songs and psalms, the biblical narrative primarily attributes the authorship of these poetic works to him indirectly.

In the Bible, the Book of Psalms includes several psalms ascribed to David, Solomon’s father. The Song of Solomon is often attributed to King Solomon, portraying a collection of love poems.

Additionally, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Wisdom of Solomon are books associated with King Solomon, showcasing his reputed wisdom through sayings and reflections. The biblical accounts highlight Solomon’s multifaceted literary contributions.

16. King Solomon is believed to have been visited by angels and demons during his life

In religious traditions, there are no explicit accounts of King Solomon being visited by angels and demons during his life in the Bible. However, later non-biblical traditions, including Jewish and Islamic literature, depict Solomon as having interactions with supernatural beings.

In certain texts, Solomon is said to possess a ring that grants him control over demons. These stories, found in texts like the Testament of Solomon and Islamic traditions, involve Solomon commanding both angels and demons.

While these tales are not part of the canonical biblical narrative, they contribute to the rich tapestry of folklore surrounding King Solomon’s legendary wisdom and interactions with the supernatural.

17. His wealth was said to be measured in gold and silver

Photo by Jingming Pan on Unsplash

Biblical accounts in the Old Testament describe King Solomon’s immense wealth, primarily measured in gold and silver. In 1 Kings 10:14-21, the narrative details Solomon’s annual income, highlighting the abundance of gold that flowed into his treasury.

The famous account of the visit of the Queen of Sheba emphasizes the opulence of Solomon’s court, where silver was considered as common as stones. Solomon’s wealth is often cited as a testament to his divine wisdom and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The biblical descriptions underscore the extravagant prosperity of Solomon’s reign, symbolized by the vast quantities of gold and silver amassed during his rule.

18. King Solomon is said to have had supernatural powers, including the ability to speak to animals

The biblical narrative attributes supernatural qualities to King Solomon, such as wisdom, wealth, and the ability to communicate with animals and spirits. In 1 Kings 4:29-34, Solomon is described as exceptionally wise, surpassing all others in understanding.

While the ability to speak to animals is not explicitly mentioned in canonical biblical texts, later traditions, and folk tales, including Islamic and Jewish sources, associate Solomon with the power to understand and communicate with creatures.

These narratives contribute to the legendary aura surrounding Solomon, portraying him as a figure with divine favor and extraordinary abilities beyond conventional human capacities.

19. King Solomon formed a notable alliance with King Hiram of Tyre

John Murphy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Historical and biblical accounts confirm that King Solomon formed a notable alliance with King Hiram of Tyre. This alliance, detailed in the Bible (1 Kings 5:1-12), was a strategic partnership for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.

Solomon sought Hiram’s assistance, and in return, he provided Hiram with resources such as wheat and olive oil. The collaboration extended beyond material support; skilled workers and artisans from Tyre played a crucial role in the temple’s construction.

The alliance between Solomon and Hiram is a key element in biblical narratives, illustrating diplomatic relationships and the cooperative efforts involved in significant ancient construction projects.

20. King Solomon was succeeded by his son Rehoboam

Paul Hardy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Rehoboam was the first monarch of the Kingdom of Judah after the split of the United Kingdom of Israel. He was a son of and the successor to Solomon and a grandson of David. 

In the account of I Kings and II Chronicles, Rehoboam saw his rule limited to only the Kingdom of Judah in the south following a rebellion by the ten northern tribes of Israel in 932/931 BCE, which led to the formation of the independent Kingdom of Israel under the rule of Jeroboam in the north.