TanakhBible QuizWisdom · Faith · Knowledge
עברית Русский ▶ Play now

Bible Characters

King Solomon: The Wisest of Men and Builder of the Temple (+Quiz)

By Tal Levy · 5 min read

The Wise King The king who asked for wisdom - and received everything.

A dream at Gibeon, the judgment of Solomon, a Temple, the Queen of Sheba, and three books.

Solomon, son of David, was the wisest of men and the builder of the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign in the Book of First Kings was the golden age of Israel - and his stories are among the most popular in Bible quizzes.

▶ Play now: the Solomon quiz — 50 questions per level

The Request for Wisdom

In a dream at Gibeon, God offered Solomon anything he wished. Solomon did not ask for wealth or long life but for "an understanding heart to judge Your people" - wisdom. God granted him the wisdom he requested, and along with it the wealth and honor he had not asked for.

The Judgment of Solomon

The famous test of his wisdom: two women and one baby, each claiming him as her own. Solomon ordered the child cut in two - and the true mother gave him up so that he would live. Thus she was revealed, and all Israel stood in awe of his wisdom in judgment.

Building the Temple

Solomon realized his father's vision and built the First Temple in Jerusalem - seven years of construction, with cedars of Lebanon and gold. At the dedication of the house he prayed that the prayer of every person, even a foreigner, would be answered in this place.

The Queen of Sheba

The fame of his wisdom reached far, and the Queen of Sheba came to test him with riddles. She was astonished by his wisdom and wealth: "The half was not told me." The meeting became a symbol of a kingdom that echoed throughout the world.

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs

Tradition attributes three books to Solomon: the Song of Songs of youth, Proverbs of maturity, and Ecclesiastes of old age - "vanity of vanities." Together they offer a complete view of human life.

The End of His Reign

In his old age his many foreign wives turned his heart astray, and it was decreed that the kingdom would be divided after his death. His son Rehoboam lost the ten tribes. And yet the age of Solomon remained a symbol of peace, wisdom, and splendor.

Play the Solomon quiz

Bible Quiz now has a dedicated Solomon quiz — real questions from the bank across five difficulty levels, 50 questions per level, from the easy questions up to the "Super-Rabbi" level with exact verses and numbers. You can also reach it from the character area or the game screen, via the "by hero" button.

▶ Play the Solomon quiz now

FAQ

What did Solomon ask of God in his dream?

An understanding heart to judge the people - wisdom - rather than wealth or long life.

What was the judgment of Solomon?

Two women claiming the same baby; Solomon threatened to cut it in two, and the true mother gave it up so it would live.

Who built the First Temple?

King Solomon, in Jerusalem, building on the preparations of his father David.

Which books are attributed to Solomon?

The Song of Songs, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.

Continue reading