Solomon Preparing For God's House 1Kings 1:1-53; Chronicles 22:1-19

David had found the place to build God's house. In his heart, David wanted to build God's house. But God said, "You've been a man of war. In many battles you've killed many men. My house will be built by a peaceful man. When you die, your son Solomon will be king. So David gathered all the materials for the temple to be built on Mount Moriah. "Solomon," he said, "God promised peace while you are king. He'll be with you, and you'll build his house." David grew old. One day Bathsheba came to him. "King David, "she said, "you promised that Solomon would be the next king. But Absalom's brother Adonijah is now preparing to become king." Bathsheba, "David answered, "I promise your son Solomon will sit on my throne. Make everything ready. Today, I make Solomon king." Solomon became king and the people rejoiced. Adonijah heard the sound of singing and cheering. It shook the ground. He was afraid Solomon would kill him. "Go home, Adonihjah," said King Solomon. "If you are honorable, you will live."

Solomon Prays For Wisdom 1 Kings 3:3-15

David ruled Israel for thirty three years. Then he died and was buried in Jerusalem. Solomom sat as king on David's throne and his kingdom was strong. Israel was at peace. Before the temple was built, an alter stood at Gibeon north of Jersalem. Solomon prayed there and offered a thousand sacrifices. One night the Lord came to Solomon in a dream. "What would you like me to give you?" God asked. Solomon said, "I am only a young man, Lord. I don't know how to rule this great people. Give me wisdom and knowledge to know right from wrong." The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked this. "You didn't ask for a long life, " God said. "Nor did you ask for riches, victory, or power. Instead you've asked for wisdom to judge my people. So I give you greater wisdom than any other king. No other ruler will ever have more wisdom than you. And because you've asked only for this, I'll give you more. You'll have riches and honor. No other ruler will compare to you. Obey my words like your father David obeyed. Then you'll have a long life and rule for many years."

The Wisdom Of Solomon 1 Kings 3:16-28

Solomon could build God's great temple. He could also wisely judge small mattters. One day two women came with one baby. "Her baby dies and she switched it for mine," said the first. "No, the dead baby is yours," the other argued. "My son is living," said the first. They squabbled in front of the king. "Bring a sword," commanded Solomon. "Divide this baby. Each can have half." "Give her the child!" The first woman loved the boy. "Don't kill my son." " This is the true mother," Solomon decided. And Israel was in awe of him.

God's Temple Is Built 1 Kings 5:1-8:66

The most important thing Solomon did was build God's temple. It stood on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. The stones of the temple walls were cut to fit perfectly. The cedar posts and beams were carved and then brought to Jerusalem. So while the temple was built there was very little noise. It was designed much like the tabernacle only much larger. Also the temple was not a tent. It was strongly built of stone and cedarwood. In seven years the temple was complete. The ark was placed in the holy of holies. Solomon and the people worshiped there.

The King Of Solomon 1 Kings 9: 1-9

One night after the temple was finished, the Lord appeared to Solomon. " I've heard your prayer," God said. "and have made this house holy. It will be my house, and I will dwell there. "Walk woih me like your father David did. Do the things I want. Then your kingdom will last forever. But if you stop following me, I'll leave this house. I'll let Israel's enemies destroy the temple you've built for me." Israel was greater than ever under King Solomon. Amny countries sent their princes to visit Solomon and seee his riches. They were amazed at his wisdom and understanding. Some said he was the wisest man in the world. Solomonn wrote many of his wise sayongs in the Book pf Proverbs. Others have been lost. It is said that he wrote 1,000 songs. Solomon's palace stood on Mount Mroiah below the temple. It had so many cedar pillars that they looked like a forest. It was called "The House of the Forest of Lebanon." From it a wide stone staircase rose up to the Temple. Solomon used these stairs when he went up to worship.

The Queen Of Sheba

1 Kings 10:1-13

Sheba was a land in southern Arabia, a thousand miles from Israel. The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's wisdom. She came with rich gifts to visit him. While they were together, she asked King Solomon many difficult questions. Solomon answered them all. He showed her his glorious palace: his throne, his servants, his food, and the steps up to the temple. "All I've heard of your wisdom and greatness is true," she said. "The Lord who has set you onn Israel's throne is blessed." The queen gave him great treasures and returned to Sheba.

The Kingdom Of Soloman1 Kings 10: 14-11:13

There was a dark side to Solomon;s kingdom. All the beautiful buildings and the splendor of his palace cost money. These were paid forr bt high taxes on the people. Many men worked on buildings and became soldiers. Others worked in Solomon's fields and weerre servants to him. Solomon didn't care about the poor people of Israel. Nor did he love God with his whole heart. His queen was the daughter of Egypt's Pharaoh. She lived in a beautiful palace. Solomon had many other wives from foreign countries. Each of them worshiped idols in their homes. To make them happy, Solomon built a temple for idols. Images of false gods stood around Jerusalem. Solomon himself offered sacrifices to them. All this made the Lord very angry. "I'm going to rip the kingdom from you." God said. "I'll give it to your servant. But not while you live. I'll rip it from the hand of your son. One tribe will be left. Your son will rule it because your father David loved me." The people cried against Solomon. He had made their lives too hard.

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