Solomon, the second son of David and Bathsheba, was the third and last king of united Israel. When he was born, the Lord loved him, so that the child was also called Jedidiah (2 Sam. 12:24-25). Early in Solomon's reign, the Lord offered him whatever he desired, upon which Solomon requested a discerning heart. Pleased with his choice, God, in addition, granted him riches and honor (1 Kings 3:5-15).
Solomon accomplished much during his lifetime. He was a writer, credited with 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). He authored two psalms (Pss. 72, 127), as well as the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In addition, he knew a great deal about botany and zoology (1 Kings 4:33). His wisdom was legendary, as people came from afar to hear him.
Solomon's greatest accomplishment was the magnificent temple which he built to Yahweh (1 Kings 5-8), along with several other buildings. He also extended the kingdom's boundaries to the largest Israel has ever seen, extending from the Euphrates in the north to the border of Egypt in the southwest. In addition, Solomon developed numerous trade relationships, maintaining a large fleet of ships (1 Kings 9:26-28).
Throughout his reign as king, Solomon accumulated mass quantities of gold, silver, chariots, horses, and wives. These wives proved to be his downfall, leading him into idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-6). He built places of worship for their false gods (1 Kings 11:7-8), incurring God's wrath.
