Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, was the third king of Israel and reigned for forty years. His reign is often remembered for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, his extraordinary wisdom, and the prosperity and peace that characterized Israel during his rule. However, Solomon's later years were marked by a departure from the faithfulness to God that had defined the early part of his reign.

Biblical Account of Solomon's Death

The account of Solomon's death is recorded in 1 Kings 11:41-43 and 2 Chronicles 9:29-31. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following details:

1 Kings 11:41-43 : "As for the rest of the acts of Solomon—all that he did, as well as his wisdom—are they not written in the Book of the Acts of Solomon? Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place."

2 Chronicles 9:29-31 : "As for the rest of the acts of Solomon, from beginning to end, are they not written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat? Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam became king in his place."

Solomon's Legacy and Spiritual Decline

Solomon's reign began with a strong commitment to God, as evidenced by his request for wisdom to govern the people (1 Kings 3:9). God granted him unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and honor (1 Kings 3:12-13). However, Solomon's later years were marred by his marriages to foreign women, which led him to idolatry. 1 Kings 11:4 states, "For when Solomon grew 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 his father David had been."

This spiritual decline had significant consequences for the kingdom. God declared that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son, Rehoboam, and given to one of Solomon's servants, Jeroboam, though not during Solomon's lifetime, for the sake of David (1 Kings 11:11-13).

Burial and Succession

Solomon was buried in the city of David, a testament to his royal lineage and the respect he commanded despite his failings. His son Rehoboam succeeded him, inheriting a kingdom that was soon to be divided due to the seeds of disobedience sown during Solomon's reign.

Historical and Theological Significance

Solomon's death marks the end of an era of united monarchy in Israel. His reign is a poignant reminder of the blessings of obedience and the perils of turning away from God. The division of the kingdom following his death fulfilled God's judgment and set the stage for the subsequent history of Israel and Judah. Solomon's life and death continue to serve as a profound lesson on the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of spiritual compromise.