Did the wisest man who ever lived make a colossal mistake when it came to love and marriage? King Solomon's reign is legendary for his unparalleled wisdom, immense wealth, and ambitious building projects, yet it is equally shadowed by the sheer number of wives and concubines he kept a decision that ultimately led to his spiritual downfall. The question isn't just about the numbers; it's about the implications of those numbers on his life, his kingdom, and his relationship with God.
King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne of Israel around 970 BC, reigning until approximately 931 BC. He inherited a kingdom strengthened by his father's military victories and ushered in an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Solomons wisdom became his hallmark, a divine gift that drew dignitaries from across the known world seeking his counsel. He oversaw the construction of the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem, a testament to his devotion and a symbol of Israel's power. His writings, particularly the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, continue to offer profound insights into the human condition. However, this brilliance was juxtaposed with a personal life that increasingly defied the very principles he espoused, most notably in his accumulation of foreign wives.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Solomon (Shlomo in Hebrew) |
| Reign | c. 970 931 BC |
| Predecessor | King David |
| Successor | Rehoboam |
| Father | King David |
| Mother | Bathsheba |
| Known For | Wisdom, wealth, building the First Temple, numerous wives and concubines |
| Biblical Texts | 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon |
| Spouses | 700 wives (of royal birth), 300 concubines (Biblical account) |
| Notable Wives | Daughter of Pharaoh, women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and Hittite origins |
| Children | Likely numerous, though exact numbers are not specified. Rehoboam is the son who succeeded him. |
| Key Accomplishments | Construction of the First Temple, expansion of trade and commerce, establishment of Jerusalem as a major political and religious center |
| Downfall | Idolatry influenced by his foreign wives, leading to divine displeasure and the eventual division of the kingdom after his death |
| Reference | Encyclopdia Britannica - Solomon |
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