King Solomon

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King Solomon, son of King David and Bathsheba, was born in Jerusalem in the 10th century BCE. As the heir to the united monarchy of Israel, Solomon inherited a kingdom built by David through conquest, faith, and diplomacy. Raised in the royal court, Solomon was deeply connected to Jewish religious life and traditions.

Even as a young man, Solomon showed a heart for Torah, justice, and peace. In the Book of Kings, he famously asked God not for wealth or power—but for wisdom to judge the people fairly. God granted him this wish and gave him unmatched insight, leading to his reputation as the wisest man in the world.

Solomon’s most enduring contribution was building the First Temple (Beit HaMikdash) in Jerusalem, a monumental and sacred center of Jewish worship and national identity. Completed with great detail, ceremony, and reverence, the Temple housed the Ark of the Covenant and became the focal point of Jewish spiritual life for centuries.

He also created a period of peace and prosperity in Israel, establishing strong alliances, encouraging trade, and initiating major construction projects throughout the land. Solomon wrote or inspired key biblical texts, including Proverbs (Mishlei), Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), and Song of Songs (Shir HaShirim)—each offering philosophical and poetic insight into human life, love, and morality. 

King Solomon is revered not only in Judaism but also in Christianity and Islam. His story appears in the Tanakh, the Qur’an, and the Old Testament, making him one of the most widely respected and studied figures in world religious history.

His legacy of wisdom and justice has inspired leaders, judges, philosophers, and spiritual seekers for thousands of years. The “Judgment of Solomon”—where he resolves a dispute between two women claiming the same child—remains a classic example of brilliant moral reasoning.

However, Solomon’s later life was complex. His wealth and many foreign marriages introduced idolatry into the kingdom, leading to criticism in the biblical text. His reign ended with growing unrest, and after his death, the kingdom was divided. Still, his temple, writings, and ideals of wisdom remain powerful symbols in Jewish tradition and global culture.

• Built the First Temple in Jerusalem, central to Jewish worship
   
• Known for his unparalleled wisdom and ethical judgment
   
• Authored or inspired Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs
   
• Strengthened Israel’s economy, diplomacy, and infrastructure
   
• Created an era of peaceful prosperity in ancient Israel
   
• Revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
   
• His life raises complex questions about power, legacy, and faith

Scenario:
You are King Solomon. People are bringing you their disputes. Can you solve them wisely?

Student Task:
In small groups, students are given fictional (or modernized) “cases” to decide, inspired by the Judgment of Solomon.

Example Cases:

1. Two students claim the same lost phone. One has the case, one knows the password.
    
2. A friend says they helped write your paper. Should they get credit?
    
3. Two siblings both want to keep the family dog after a divorce.
    

Challenge:
Come up with a fair and clever solution—and explain the reasoning. Then compare it with what Solomon might have done.

Task:
Using descriptions from the Book of Kings or visual models, students design their own First Temple blueprint. They can sketch or build a 3D model using paper, cardboard, or digital tools.

Include:

• The Holy of Holies
   
• The Ark of the Covenant
   
• Pillars (Boaz and Yachin)
   
• Courtyards, altars, gold designs
   

Optional Add-On:
Write an “architect’s journal” explaining the symbolism behind each part of the Temple.