Solomon's Journey
Solomon went to Gibeon and offered a thousand burnt offerings. That night, God appeared to him in a dream and told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted.
Solomon acknowledged that he was inexperienced and responsible for governing a great nation. He asked for a discerning heart to distinguish between right and wrong.
God was pleased with his request. He gave Solomon exceptional wisdom and also gave him riches and honour that he had not requested. God’s promise of a long life was conditional upon Solomon walking in obedience.
Who Was Solomon?
Solomon was David’s son and became king after him. He built the temple in Jerusalem, the house of the Lord that David had wanted to build. First Kings records that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs and composed more than one thousand songs. Several collections in Proverbs are attributed to Solomon, although the book also contains sayings from other contributors.
Ecclesiastes introduces its speaker as “the Teacher,” a son of David and king in Jerusalem. The book is traditionally associated with Solomon, but it does not name him directly.
The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s wisdom and travelled to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. Solomon answered them, and she was overwhelmed by his wisdom and what she observed in his kingdom.
But Solomon’s story does not end at his best. Solomon married many foreign women despite God’s command. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart towards other gods, and his heart was no longer fully devoted to the Lord.
Solomon followed Ashtoreth and Molek and built high places for Chemosh and Molek. God became angry with Solomon and announced that most of the kingdom would be torn from his son’s rule. Scripture does not record Solomon’s repentance.
What This Solomon Bible Story Teaches Kids
Solomon began his reign by recognising his limitations and asking God for discernment. God gave him exceptional wisdom, which Solomon used in governing Israel and building the temple.
However, possessing wisdom did not guarantee lifelong obedience. Solomon later disobeyed God and allowed divided loyalties to turn his heart towards other gods.
His story teaches that wisdom must be practised through humility, obedience and willingness to receive correction. Children can ask God for wisdom, examine what is true and seek trustworthy guidance when they do not know what to do.
Solomon’s completed Hero Mission explores wisdom: slowing down, checking what is true, considering what is loving and right, and seeking help when a decision is serious or unsafe. Start with Solomon’s Wisdom.
Put the story into action – explore Solomon’s Wisdom, a Bible hero mission for kids inspired by this story. To read the full passage, explore 1 Kings 3:4-15 on Bible Gateway.
Greatest Feats
Building the Temple: Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem. When it was complete and the priests carried in the Ark of the Covenant, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
The Queen of Sheba's Visit: The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's wisdom and travelled to Jerusalem to test him with difficult questions. Solomon answered them, and she was overwhelmed by his wisdom and what she observed in his kingdom.
Key Conflict
Allies
David: Before his death, David instructed Solomon to walk faithfully in God's ways. David also prepared materials and plans for the temple that Solomon would build.
