# Day 125

# The Kingdom of Solomon

Part One
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 I have made this house holy. It will be my house, and I will dwell there.

“Walk with 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. Many countries sent their princes to visit Solomon and see his riches. They were amazed at his wisdom and understanding. Some said he was the wisest man in the world. Solomon wrote many of his wise sayings in the book of Proverbs. Others have been lost. It is said that he wrote 1,000 songs.

Solomon’s palace stood on Mount Moriah 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.

Questions: What was God’s warning to Solomon? What did people say about Solomon?