Topical Encyclopedia Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, most notably the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is often seen as a high point in the history of Israel, marked by peace and prosperity. However, Solomon's piety, or religious devotion, is a complex aspect of his character, reflecting both his deep commitment to God and his eventual spiritual decline.Early Piety and Wisdom Solomon's piety is first evident in his early reign when he seeks divine wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:3, it is noted, "Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places." His love for God is further demonstrated when the LORD appears to him in a dream at Gibeon, offering to grant him whatever he desires. Solomon famously requests wisdom to govern the people, saying, "Give Your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). This request pleases God, who grants him unparalleled wisdom, as well as riches and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13). Construction of the Temple Solomon's piety is also evident in his dedication to building the Temple in Jerusalem, a task his father David had desired but was not permitted to complete. Solomon's efforts to construct a house for the Name of the LORD are detailed in 1 Kings 6-8. The Temple becomes the central place of worship for Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people. At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon offers a profound prayer, acknowledging God's greatness and asking for His continued presence and favor (1 Kings 8:22-53). He prays, "May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He never leave us nor forsake us" (1 Kings 8:57). Religious Observance and Sacrifices Solomon's piety is further demonstrated through his observance of religious practices and sacrifices. He is described as offering numerous sacrifices to the LORD, as seen in 1 Kings 8:62-64, where he offers peace offerings and burnt offerings at the Temple dedication. His commitment to worship is also evident in his adherence to the feasts and festivals prescribed by the Law of Moses. Wisdom Literature Solomon's piety is reflected in the wisdom literature attributed to him, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These writings reveal a deep understanding of God's ways and the moral and ethical principles that should guide human conduct. Proverbs, in particular, emphasizes the fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), underscoring the importance of a reverent relationship with God. Spiritual Decline Despite his early piety, Solomon's later years are marked by spiritual decline, largely due to his marriages to foreign women who led him to idolatry. 1 Kings 11:4 states, "For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been." This turning away from exclusive devotion to the LORD results in divine judgment, as God raises adversaries against Solomon and foretells the division of the kingdom after his death (1 Kings 11:11-13). Solomon's life serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of steadfast devotion to God, illustrating both the blessings of piety and the consequences of spiritual compromise. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 3:5-15In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give you. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 4:29 1 Kings 8:1 Library What Happened to Solomon Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ... How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ... To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. The Benefits of an Early Piety The Practice of Piety in Glorifying God in the Time of Sickness ... Of David's Reign and Merit; and of his Son Solomon, and that ... How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His What Solomon, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, Says Regarding the ... Solomon Resources Who was Solomon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Solomon saved? | GotQuestions.org Why did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org Solomon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Solomon is Visited by the Queen of Sheba Solomon: An Ancestor of Joseph Solomon: Anointed King a Second Time Solomon: Builds Another House for Pharaoh's Daughter Solomon: Builds his House, the Forest of Lebanon Solomon: Builds Idolatrous Temples Solomon: Cedes some Inferior Cities to Hiram Solomon: Covenant Renewed in a Vision After the Dedication of the Temple Solomon: Divides his Kingdom Into Subsistence Departments Solomon: Drinking Vessels of his Houses Solomon: Extent of his Dominions Solomon: Has Seven-Hundred Wives and Three-Hundred Concubines Solomon: His Prayer for Wisdom, and his Vision Solomon: Imports Apes and Peacocks Solomon: Justice of, Illustrated in his Judgment of the Two Prostitutes Solomon: Marries One of Pharaoh's Daughters Solomon: Military Equipment of Solomon: Musicians and Musical Instruments of his Court Solomon: Named Jedidiah, by Nathan the Prophet Solomon: Plants Vineyards and Orchards of all Kinds of Fruit Trees; Makes Pools Solomon: Prophecies Concerning Solomon: Receives Tribute (Taxes) Solomon: Reigns for Forty Years Solomon: Renews the Courses of the Priests and Levites Solomon: Son of David by Bath-Sheba Solomon: Succeeds David to the Throne of Israel Solomon: The Splendor of his Court Solomon: Their Influence Over Him Related Terms Carriage-towns (3 Occurrences) |
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