King Solomon
Basic Info
Solomon was the second son of David and Bathsheba. Because David had older sons by other wives, Solomon was not the natural in line for the throne, but David declared that it should be so.
Solomon’s best known positive achievements are his wisdom and the Temple he built. But, like his father, he was not without problems. He had a thing for women (hundreds of wives and concubines), and many of his wives tried to draw him away from God and toward worship of their own gods. This is a violation of the First Commandment of the Mosaic Covenant. This kind of behavior is understood to result in God withdrawing God’s protection.
One story (1 Kings 3:16–28) that reflects the wisdom of Solomon and that is frequently depicted in art tells of two new mothers, one of whom rolls over on her baby in the night, killing it. In the morning, she claims the live baby as her own. The live baby’s real mother claims that it is hers. The two women bring the problem to Solomon. He orders that the baby be cut in two so that each mother gets half. The real mother withdraws her claim so that the child will live. Solomon thereby knows that she is the real mother and gives the baby to her.
The Temple is sometimes also depicted in artworks of Solomon. Its construction, outfitting, and dedication are described in 1 Kings 5:15—8:66). The Ark of the Covenant was moved from its tent to this Temple.
What to Look For
- Which Solomon story is being told (wisdom that drew crowds and the Queen of Sheba, judgment over the baby, many wives, the building or dedication of the Temple, etc.)
- Solomon’s physical appearance
- Solomon’s attitude and authority
- Solomon’s relationship with God (prayerful, on good terms, turning to idols, etc.)
Questions to Focus a General Interpretation
Solomon, like his father King David, is a biblical character who has gifts from God but who doesn’t keep God’s Commandments very well. Does this artwork emphasize his gifts or his disobedience? Does it offer any rationale for why God uses guys like this?
Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation
Does the artwork suggest avenues for reflection on the ambiguity of your own talents / gifts and how you have used them?
Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation
Were there any leaders (in politics, society, or the Christianity) in the artist’s place and time who needed some good public relations handling because they kept too many women? Might the artist have chosen to depict Solomon to highlight the fact that having a lot of women didn’t necessarily mean that one wasn’t favored by God?
