Names:
- Solomon
- Jedidiah
- Sulaimān
And he had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines; and his wives turned away his heart.
1 Kings 11:3
Solomon, gifted with a luminous ring from the angel Gabriel, gains dominion over winds, animals, birds, and even the jinn. He commands the jinn to construct a grand palace, adorned with marble and pearls from the sea, and to prepare lavish feasts.
One day, Solomon learns of Bilqis, the striking and powerful ruler of Saba, from a hoopoe bird. Intrigued, he invites her to Jerusalem. Bilqis, curious about Solomon’s wisdom and divine connection, visits and stays to explore more about him. As they spend time together, a deep bond forms between them, alarming the captive jinn who fear their servitude might extend if the pair were to marry and produce an heir.
Rumors spread by a jinn named Zabwa suggest Bilqis has jinn ancestry, evident in her hairy legs and peculiar feet. To uncover the truth, Solomon devises a clever test involving a deceptive glass floor over water, making it appear like a pond. When Bilqis attempts to cross, lifting her skirts to avoid getting wet, Solomon sees her legs but remains tactful about his observation.
Despite the revelation, Solomon assists Bilqis in embracing a monotheistic faith, leading to their marriage and the birth of their son, Rehoboam, who is marked by long arms, a sign of leadership. Bilqis lives with Solomon for several years before passing away. Solomon buries her in Palmyra, Syria, a city with mystical connections to jinn and supposedly built on Solomon’s command.
In the Kabbalah
Early adherents of the Kabbalah portray Solomon as having sailed through the air on a throne of light placed on an eagle, which brought him near the heavenly gates as well as to the dark mountains behind which the fallen angels Uzza and Azzazel were chained; the eagle would rest on the chains, and Solomon, using the magic ring, would compel the two angels to reveal every mystery he desired to know.
Old Testament
1 Kings 1-11: This is the primary source of information about Solomon’s reign.
1 Kings 1: Solomon’s accession to the throne.
1 Kings 2: David’s final instructions to Solomon and his establishment of the kingdom.
1 Kings 3: Solomon asks God for wisdom and demonstrates his wise judgment.
1 Kings 4: Solomon’s officials and daily provisions.
1 Kings 5-6: Preparations for and the construction of the Temple.
1 Kings 7: Building of Solomon’s palace and other constructions.
1 Kings 8: Dedication of the Temple.
1 Kings 9: God’s covenant with Solomon and Solomon’s other achievements.
1 Kings 10: Visit of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon’s wealth and splendor.
1 Kings 11: Solomon’s wives and idolatry, leading to his downfall.
2 Chronicles 1-9: Parallel account to 1 Kings, emphasizing Solomon’s wisdom, wealth, and construction projects.
2 Chronicles 1: Solomon’s request for wisdom.
2 Chronicles 2-4: Preparation and construction of the Temple.
2 Chronicles 5: Ark brought to the Temple.
2 Chronicles 6: Solomon’s prayer of dedication.
2 Chronicles 7: Dedication of the Temple.
2 Chronicles 8: Solomon’s other activities.
2 Chronicles 9: Queen of Sheba’s visit and Solomon’s wealth.
Proverbs: Traditionally attributed to Solomon, offering insights into his wisdom.
Proverbs 1:1: “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel.”
Various sayings and teachings throughout the book are ascribed to Solomon.
Ecclesiastes: Often attributed to Solomon, reflecting on the meaning of life and the human experience.
Ecclesiastes 1:1: “The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem.”
Song of Solomon (also known as Song of Songs): A collection of love poems, traditionally attributed to Solomon.
Song of Solomon 1:1: “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.”
New Testament References
- Matthew 6:29: Jesus mentions Solomon in the context of his teachings on worry and trust in God.
- “Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
- Matthew 12:42 and Luke 11:31: Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba’s visit to Solomon.
- “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.”
- Acts 7:47: Stephen mentions Solomon in his speech before the Sanhedrin.
- “But it was Solomon who built a house for him.”
These references provide a comprehensive view of Solomon’s life, his wisdom, his achievements, and his ultimate downfall.
