Solomon was the third king of the Kingdom of Israel and the son of David. He is known as the epitome of a wise king.
Life
Solomon was a prince born to David and Bathsheba.
There was a child born to David and Bathsheba before Solomon, but that child died as a punishment from God. Afterward, God comforted them, and Solomon was born. God was pleased with the child and gave him the special name Jedidiah.
At that time, King David's sons were Amnon (the firstborn), Chileab (the second), Absalom (the third), and Adonijah (the fourth). Among them, Amnon was killed by Absalom, Chileab died young, and Absalom died after instigating a rebellion. The next in line for the throne was likely Adonijah, supported by General Joab and High Priest Abiathar.
However, with the support of Priest Zadok and Nathan (prophet), who supported Solomon, the throne was quickly passed to him, making him the third king.
Succeeding his father David, he ruled Israel as the most powerful nation in its history, establishing diplomatic relations with numerous countries and receiving tribute.
He notably built the Temple in Jerusalem. Initially, he sought wisdom to govern his people well and received praise from God. However, later, he took many foreign women as concubines through political marriages for diplomatic purposes. Through them, he fell into idolatry and began to rely on foreign nations rather than God, leading to his downfall.
Writings
He wrote parts of Psalms, as well as Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and the Song of Solomon.