(story told in 2 Samuel 12:24-1 Kings 11:43)
Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba, chosen by God to succeed his father as king of Israel. Even as a young man, Solomon showed humility and a desire to serve God well. When God appeared to him in a dream and offered to grant him anything he asked, Solomon did not choose riches or power but wisdom to lead his people. God was pleased and gave him not only wisdom but also great wealth and honor.
Solomon became famous for his wisdom. People from all nations came to hear his judgments and advice. One of the most well-known stories tells how he settled a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same baby. His wise decision revealed the true mother’s love and amazed everyone who heard about it.
During his reign, Solomon built the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David’s dream. The temple became the center of Israel’s worship, and God’s presence filled it. Under Solomon, Israel enjoyed peace and prosperity, and the nation reached its greatest strength.
However, as Solomon grew older, his heart began to turn away from God. He married many foreign wives who brought their idols with them, and he allowed the people to worship false gods. His disobedience angered the Lord, who warned that the kingdom would one day be divided because of it.
Solomon’s story is both inspiring and tragic. He began with wisdom and devotion but drifted into pride and compromise. His life reminds us that wisdom alone is not enough—it must be joined with obedience and a faithful heart toward God.