JesusWalk® Publications

King Solomon
Wisdom, Wealth, Weakness
a 176-page book
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

 


Book front cover | back cover

King Solomon is difficult to figure out. He loves the Lord and is loved by God, yet commits apostasy. How can such a wise man be so stupid?

Solomon is the wisest of all men before or since and fabulously wealthy. A man of peace, yet he dominates the nations around him by military strength and trade supremacy.

Solomon mobilizes an army of workers to construct a temple for Yahweh, as well as palaces, cities, fortifications, and storehouses.

He is a singer of songs and author of books, an observant botanist and zoologist. If he lived today, we'd call him a genius and wonder at his intellect. Yet for all his devotion and accomplishments, a  weakness for foreign women leads him to build shrines that honor their false gods.

Our primary text to study Solomon's life is 1 Kings 1 to 11, with additions here and there from 2 Chronicles and other Bible passages. Along the way, we:

  • Examine the Davidic Covenant that points directly to Jesus,
  • Apply understandings of the temple to our worship today,
  • Explore his insightful prayer at the dedication of the temple,
  • Probe the great revival promises of 2 Chronicles 7:14 -- "If my people ... will humble themselves and pray,"
  • Find a discipleship balance of talents and gifts, wealth and care for the poor, honor and humility, and
  • Study Solomon's undoing to sharpen awareness of our own vulnerabilities.

We study Solomon's life over six lessons. Thought-provoking questions encourage insights by individual students and stimulate powerful discussions in classes and small groups. Preachers and teachers will find a great deal of their research done for them. Includes 13 diagrams and historical maps.

Here's an outline of the 6-week study (detailed Table of Contents):

  • Preface
  • Introduction to Solomon's Time
  1. Solomon's Path to Kingship (1 Kings 1-2)
  2. Solomon's Wisdom (1 Kings 3-4)
  3. Building Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5-7)
  4. Dedicating Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 8-9)
  5. Solomon's Splendor (1 Kings 9-10)
  6. Solomon's Legacy (1 Kings 11)
  • Appendix 1. Participant Handouts (free)
  • Appendix 2. Parallel Accounts of the Davidic Covenant
  • Appendix 3. Five Kinds of Temple Sacrifices or Offerings
  • Appendix 4. Archaeology of Solomon's Era
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  • About the Author
  • Statement of Faith
  • Copying Policy
  • Guarantee and Refund Policy

    • This study is available in book format (below) or at no cost delivered via e-mail over a six-week period.

      Paperback format, US $15.95 Length: 172  pages. Must be ordered through Amazon.com. The paperback size is 7.5 in  x 9.25 in.  ISBN: 979-8320203225. ASIN: B0CZWBG85B

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    Kindle e-book formatKindle E-book format, US $8.95. You may purchase this version directly from Amazon USA  or from national sites below. This is read using a your Kindle or a Kindle Reader program installed on your computer, tablet, or phone. It cannot be printed out (Amazon ASIN: B0CZVXPJDX). Amazon USA - Canada - UK - Germany - France - Japan - Mexico - Spain -  Italy -  Netherlands - Brazil - India - Australia 

     
    PDF E-book format, $8.95. 173 pages. You purchase this PDF e-books and can download it within minutes. You can read it on your computer in PDF format if you like, or print out a single copy on your printer, either 8-1/2 x 11" or A4 paper. To make multiple copies, get reprint licenses below. No tax is charged on e-books. PDF e-books are ordered directly from the author at JesusWalk Publications. (Remember: If you plan to print this out, your total cost will be the $8.95 for the PDF plus the cost of printing -- paper, ink, toner, etc. In some cases the paperback might be a better value.)

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    Reprint license to make copiesReprint License, $2.50 per copy. This allows you to print additional copies for your own group. Once you've ordered this item, set quantity field for the number of reprints you plan to make and click on "recalculate." One license is required for each additional copy you make beyond the initial book you purchased. This reprint license prohibits sale of the book to individuals outside your local area or congregation. You'll probably want to order a single copy of the e-book also, so you'll have the text from which to reprint. So if you have a group of 6 people, you'll need to order one e-book (for the first reprint) and 5 reprint licenses.

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    Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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    Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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    In-depth Bible study books

    You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

    Old Testament

    1. Abraham, Faith of
    2. Jacob, Life of
    3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
    4. Joshua
    5. Gideon
    6. David, Life of
    7. Elijah
    8. Psalms
    9. Solomon
    10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
    11. Isaiah
    12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
    13. Daniel
    14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

    Gospels

    1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
    2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
    3. Luke's Gospel
    4. John's Gospel
    5. Seven Last Words of Christ
    6. Parables
    7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
    8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
    9. Apostle Peter

    Acts

    1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
    2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

    Pauline Epistles

    1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
    2. 1 Corinthians
    3. 2 Corinthians
    4. Galatians
    5. Ephesians
    6. Philippians
    7. Colossians, Philemon
    8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
    9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

    General Epistles

    1. Hebrews
    2. James
    3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
    4. 1, 2, and 3 John

    Revelation

    1. Revelation
    2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

    Topical

    1. Glorious Kingdom, The
    2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
    3. Great Prayers of the Bible
    4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
    5. Humility
    6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
    7. Lamb of God
    8. Listening for God's Voice
    9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
    10. Names and Titles of God
    11. Names and Titles of Jesus

    Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
    My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.