The Story of Solomon

The Bible study is facilitated by Rev. Lettie Carr. Explore the complex life of King Solomon, the third king of Israel, son of David and Bathsheba. His name means peace, and he reigned during a time of peace. As a youth, God offered him anything he desired, and Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God's people. Pleased, God granted him exceeding wisdom, unmatched by any before or after, and also blessed him with riches and honor. His wisdom was famously displayed in the judgment between two women claiming the same child. His fame spread internationally, drawing figures like the Queen of Sheba.

Solomon undertook the immense task of building the temple for the Lord, a project David was prevented from doing. Over 11 years, he built a magnificent structure, overlaid with gold, dedicating vast resources. Solomon dedicated the temple with a humble, powerful prayer, asking God to hear the prayers of his people made toward that place in times of distress and sin. God responded, promising His presence and attention to prayers made there, conditional on obedience.

Despite these beginnings, Solomon's heart turned away from God. He loved many foreign women, including Pharaoh's daughter, from nations forbidden by God due to their gods. With 700 wives and 300 concubines, his foreign wives led him to worship their deities, such as Ashtoreth, Milcom, Chemosh, and Molech, building high places for them. This grave disobedience angered God. God declared He would tear the kingdom from Solomon, leaving only one tribe for his son, due to his failure to keep God's commandments. The kingdom was divided after his death. Solomon even attempted to kill Jeroboam, the servant God had chosen to receive the kingdom.

The Bible study reflects on Solomon's complicated legacy, starting well but ending poorly due to disobedience. He wrote Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, books showcasing great wisdom, but the text does not explicitly state he repented at the end. His actions led to the kingdom's division.