ENKI’S AVATARS ~ KING SOLOMON (10th Centry BCE, circa 990 BCE – 931 BCE)

King Solomon, son of King David and Bathsheba, was the third king of Israel and Judah, reigning from around 970 to 931 BCE. Renowned for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and building projects, Solomon is a central figure in biblical history and tradition.

He is credited with constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem and is associated with numerous proverbs and songs, many of which are included in the Bible. Solomon’s legacy as a wise and just ruler is celebrated in various religious and cultural traditions.

King Solomon (circa 990 BCE – 931 BCE) was the son of King David and Bathsheba. He succeeded his father as the third king of the united Israelite kingdom. His reign marked a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel. Solomon is mainly celebrated for his wisdom, a gift from God that he famously used to judge complex cases, such as the dispute between two women over a baby.

Solomon’s achievements include the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental project that established the city as the spiritual center of Israel. He also built a magnificent palace and fortified cities. Under his rule, Israel engaged in extensive trade and diplomacy, fostering alliances with neighboring nations.

Solomon is traditionally credited with writing several biblical books, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. He is also associated with mystical traditions and is said to have the ability to communicate with animals, spirits, and demons, often depicted in legends outside the Bible.

Despite his wisdom, Solomon’s later years were marked by controversy. His many marriages to foreign women led him to tolerate and, according to the Bible, participate in the worship of their gods. This deviation from monotheism is said to have sown the seeds for the division of the kingdom after his death.

The Judgment of Solomon: Two women claim to be the mother of a baby. Solomon suggests splitting the baby in two to determine the true mother. The real mother offers to give up her claim to save the child, revealing her genuine maternal love.

One of the most famous stories about Solomon’s wisdom involves two women who came before him, each claiming to be the mother of the same baby. To resolve the dispute, Solomon proposed a shocking solution: he ordered that the baby be cut in two, with half given to each woman.

One of the women immediately cried out and begged the king to give the baby to the other woman, declaring that she would rather lose her claim than see the child harmed. The other woman, however, agreed to the division. Recognizing the selfless love of the true mother, Solomon declared that the baby should be given to her, demonstrating his profound insight into human nature.

The Construction of the First Temple: Solomon oversees the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, a grand structure dedicated to the worship of Yahweh, fulfilling his father David’s dream.

Solomon’s crowning achievement was the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a project of immense spiritual and cultural significance. According to biblical accounts, Solomon began this monumental task in the fourth year of his reign. He gathered skilled laborers, architects, and craftsmen from Israel and neighboring nations to ensure the Temple’s magnificence.

The Temple was built on Mount Moriah, the site believed to be where Abraham had prepared to sacrifice Isaac. The construction involved vast quantities of cedar wood from Lebanon, quarried stone, and gold. King Hiram of Tyre, a friend and ally of Solomon, provided materials and expertise, further strengthening diplomatic ties between the two kingdoms.

The Temple was designed to be a dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. Its layout included the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctum that only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. The walls and floors were overlaid with gold, and intricate carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers adorned its surfaces.

After seven years of construction, the Temple was completed. Solomon held a grand dedication ceremony, offering sacrifices and prayers to consecrate the structure. In a dramatic moment, the glory of the Lord filled the Temple as a cloud, signifying divine approval. Solomon’s prayer at the dedication emphasized the Temple as a house of prayer for all nations, reflecting his vision of Israel as a spiritual beacon.

The First Temple was a testament to Solomon’s vision, uniting Israel under a shared faith and fulfilling his father David’s dream. It remained the center of Jewish worship until its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.

Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, brings lavish gifts, and tests his wisdom with challenging questions. She leaves impressed by his knowledge and hospitality. A monarch of great wealth and influence, she traveled to Jerusalem to meet Solomon after hearing of his famed wisdom and accomplishments. She brought with her a caravan laden with gold, spices, and precious stones as gifts to honor the king.

Upon her arrival, the Queen tested Solomon with challenging questions and riddles, seeking to gauge the depth of his wisdom. Solomon answered all her inquiries with clarity and insight, leaving her deeply impressed. She marveled at the grandeur of his palace, the organization of his court, and the offerings in the Temple, declaring that the reports she had heard in her homeland had not even captured the full extent of Solomon’s greatness.

The encounter concluded with an exchange of gifts. Solomon, in turn, bestowed upon the Queen valuable items and rare treasures, strengthening diplomatic relations between their kingdoms. Their meeting symbolized mutual respect, intellectual exchange, and the far-reaching influence of Solomon’s wisdom and Israel’s prosperity.

The Queen of Sheba departed with admiration for Solomon’s knowledge and hospitality, her visit serving as a testament to the king’s reputation as a wise and magnanimous ruler.

The Queen of Sheba, a monarch of great wealth and influence, traveled to Jerusalem to meet Solomon after hearing of his famed wisdom and accomplishments. She brought with her a caravan laden with gold, spices, and precious stones as gifts to honor the king.

Upon her arrival, the Queen tested Solomon with challenging questions and riddles, seeking to gauge the depth of his wisdom. Solomon answered all her inquiries with clarity and insight, leaving her deeply impressed. She marveled at the grandeur of his palace, the organization of his court, and the offerings in the Temple, declaring that the reports she had heard in her homeland had not even captured the full extent of Solomon’s greatness.

The encounter concluded with an exchange of gifts. Solomon, in turn, bestowed upon the Queen valuable items and rare treasures, strengthening diplomatic relations between their kingdoms. Their meeting symbolized mutual respect, intellectual exchange, and the far-reaching influence of Solomon’s wisdom and Israel’s prosperity.

The Queen of Sheba departed with admiration for Solomon’s knowledge and hospitality, her visit serving as a testament to the king’s reputation as a wise and magnanimous ruler.

Solomon’s Wisdom:

Solomon’s Wisdom: Solomon composes thousands of proverbs and songs, becoming a byword for wisdom throughout the ancient world.

Solomon’s profound wisdom made him renowned throughout the ancient world. He composed over 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs, reflecting his deep understanding of human behavior, nature, and spirituality. His writings, such as those in the biblical books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs, offer timeless insights into life, morality, and the pursuit of meaning.

Solomon’s court became a hub for scholars, poets, and thinkers from various nations, who came to hear his teachings and witness his insight. His wisdom encompassed governance, spirituality, science, and the natural world. According to biblical tradition, he had an unparalleled knowledge of plants, animals, and ecosystems, a gift he used to educate and inspire others.

One notable example of his wisdom is his reflections in Ecclesiastes, where he explores the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and emphasizes the importance of revering God and living a purposeful life. His intellectual and spiritual legacy continues to influence countless generations.

Solomon’s Many Wives and Concubines:

Solomon’s Many Wives and Concubines: Solomon’s 700 wives and 300 concubines symbolize his wealth and a source of controversy, as their influence leads him to worship other gods.

Solomon’s marriages to 700 wives and 300 concubines became a defining feature of his reign. These unions were often politically motivated and intended to secure alliances with neighboring nations. Each marriage symbolized a diplomatic victory, broadening Israel’s influence and ensuring peace with its neighbors.

However, these relationships also brought controversy. Many of Solomon’s wives were from foreign nations with differing religious practices, and they got their traditions and deities to the Israelite court. Over time, Solomon’s tolerance and eventual participation in their worship led to the construction of altars and shrines for foreign gods. This marked a departure from strict monotheism and violated the covenant Israel had with Yahweh.

The Bible describes how Solomon’s heart turned away from God in his later years, influenced by his wives’ religious practices. This deviation is considered a significant factor leading to divine disapproval and the eventual division of the kingdom after his death. The tribes of Israel split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, fulfilling a prophecy about the consequences of Solomon’s actions.

Despite the controversy, Solomon’s marriages also reflect the complexities of his rule. They highlight the balance he sought between diplomacy, personal relationships, and religious fidelity, showcasing the challenges faced by a king who sought to unite a diverse and expanding empire.

Solomon’s Encounter with Demons: In later Jewish and Islamic traditions, Solomon is said to have commanded demons, using a magical ring to control them and perform tasks such as building the Temple.

Solomon’s Encounter with Demons

In later Jewish and Islamic traditions, King Solomon is said to have been endowed with mystical powers, including the ability to command demons. This extraordinary ability is often attributed to a magical ring called the Seal of Solomon, which bore divine inscriptions. According to these traditions, the ring granted him authority over supernatural beings, enabling him to summon and control them for various purposes.

One of the most famous legends describes how Solomon enlisted demons to assist in the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The demons, compelled by the ring’s power, quarried stone, transported materials, and performed other tasks beyond human capabilities, contributing to the Temple’s rapid and magnificent completion.

These tales also highlight Solomon’s role as a judge and mediator between the human and spiritual realms. He is often depicted as using his authority to subdue malevolent spirits and ensure they serve constructive purposes. In some accounts, he even imprisoned particularly dangerous demons within vessels or bound them with chains, ensuring they could no longer harm humanity.

While these stories are not part of the biblical narrative, they have captured people’s imagination across cultures, influencing art, literature, and mystical traditions. They reflect Solomon’s enduring reputation as a figure of immense wisdom, power, and spiritual insight.

King Solomon’s Wealth

Solomon’s Wealth: Solomon accumulates incredible wealth, described in the Bible as unmatched among kings. His reign brings prosperity to Israel.

King Solomon’s reign was marked by extraordinary prosperity and wealth, which the Bible describes as unparalleled among the kings of his time. This immense wealth was accumulated through various means, including trade, tributes, and taxation.

Solomon’s strategic alliances with neighboring nations, such as his partnership with King Hiram of Tyre, enabled the establishment of lucrative trade routes that brought gold, silver, spices, and exotic goods to Israel.

Solomon’s naval fleet, constructed with the assistance of Hiram’s craftsmen, was based in Ezion-Geber on the Red Sea. These ships embarked on long voyages to far-off lands such as Ophir, returning with vast quantities of gold, precious stones, and rare commodities like ivory and peacocks. The scale of these expeditions emphasized Israel’s growing prominence as a trading power.

Tribute from vassal states also contributed significantly to Solomon’s wealth. Kings and leaders from distant lands sent gifts to honor his wisdom and forge diplomatic ties. These offerings included gold, silver, fine textiles, and livestock, further enhancing the splendor of his court.

Solomon’s wealth was showcased in the grandeur of his palace, the First Temple, and other construction projects. The Temple and his royal residence were adorned with gold and precious materials, reflecting the opulence of his reign. Additionally, his throne, described as a masterpiece of craftsmanship, was made of ivory and overlaid with gold, symbolizing his unmatched status.

The prosperity of Solomon’s reign extended beyond his court. The Bible notes that under his rule, the people of Israel lived in peace and security, enjoying the fruits of the land. The abundance of resources and the stability of his administration made Solomon’s era a golden age in Israel’s history.

However, this wealth also came at a cost. The heavy taxation and forced labor required to sustain Solomon’s ambitious projects eventually led to discontent among the tribes of Israel. This unrest and other factors contributed to the kingdom’s division after Solomon’s death.

Despite these challenges, Solomon’s wealth remains a defining aspect of his legacy, symbolizing the heights of Israel’s power and influence during his reign.

Ecclesiastes and Reflections on Life

Ecclesiastes and Reflections on Life: Solomon reflects on the meaning of life, questioning the pursuit of worldly pleasures and concluding that revering God is the ultimate purpose.

Solomon offers profound reflections on the human condition and the pursuit of meaning in the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. Ascribed to Solomon in his later years, the text conveys the musings of a king who has experienced the heights of power, wealth, and worldly pleasures, only to find them ultimately unsatisfying.

The recurring theme of Ecclesiastes is the fleeting nature of life and the futility of placing one’s hopes in material pursuits. Phrases such as “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” encapsulate Solomon’s realization that earthly achievements and pleasures are transient and cannot provide lasting fulfillment. He reflects on the inevitability of death, the limitations of human understanding, and the inability of wealth or accomplishments to grant true peace.

Despite its somber tone, Ecclesiastes also offers wisdom for a meaningful life. Solomon encourages readers to enjoy simple pleasures, such as food, drink, and companionship, while recognizing that these gifts come from God. He emphasizes the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments, asserting that reverence for the divine is the ultimate purpose of existence.

Ecclesiastes has resonated across generations for its honest exploration of existential questions. Its philosophical insights and poetic expressions continue to inspire readers seeking to reconcile life’s temporal nature with the eternal truths of faith and spirituality. Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes underscore his legacy as a thinker whose wisdom transcends time.

Diplomatic Alliances: Solomon’s marriages strengthen alliances with other nations, expanding Israel’s influence and introducing foreign religious practices.

Diplomatic Alliances:

Solomon’s marriages were more than personal unions; they were strategic moves to solidify alliances with neighboring nations. Each marriage represented a diplomatic victory, fostering peace and strengthening Israel’s influence on the international stage. Solomon expanded Israel’s trade networks through these alliances and established ties with powerful kingdoms, ensuring economic prosperity and regional stability.

Notable among these alliances was his relationship with Egypt, exemplified by his marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter. This union not only signified a bond between the two nations but also brought with it cultural and political exchanges. Similarly, Solomon’s partnerships with other nations like Tyre, Moab, and Ammon contributed to a flourishing trade and cooperation.

However, these marriages also introduced foreign religious practices to Israel. Many of Solomon’s wives brought their native gods and rituals into the court, leading to the construction of altars and shrines for these deities. Solomon’s tolerance and eventual participation in these practices marked a significant departure from strict adherence to monotheism, a development the Bible criticizes as deviating from Israel’s covenant with Yahweh.

While these alliances brought wealth and peace during Solomon’s reign, they also sowed division within Israel. The introduction of foreign religions created tensions among the people and contributed to the eventual fragmentation of the kingdom after Solomon’s death. His diplomatic marriages testify to his ambition and vision as a ruler, showcasing his reign’s benefits and complexities.

His Death and Succession: After Solomon’s death, his kingdom is divided under his son Rehoboam, fulfilling a prophecy about the consequences of Solomon’s idolatry.

His Death and Succession:

Solomon’s death marked the end of a golden era for Israel and the beginning of political upheaval. After ruling for 40 years, Solomon passed away around 931 BCE, leaving behind a prosperous kingdom strained under heavy taxation and labor demands. His son, Rehoboam, ascended to the throne, inheriting his father’s wealth and its accompanying challenges.

Rehoboam’s reign quickly turned contentious. When the northern tribes of Israel petitioned him for relief from the burdens imposed during Solomon’s rule, Rehoboam arrogantly rejected their plea, choosing to increase the harsh policies instead. This decision fulfilled a prophecy during Solomon’s lifetime that the kingdom would be divided due to his idolatry and failure to uphold the covenant with Yahweh.

The result was a schism: ten northern tribes broke away to form the Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, while the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam, constituting the Kingdom of Judah. This division weakened both kingdoms, leaving them vulnerable to external threats and internal discord.

The fragmentation of Solomon’s empire is seen as a direct consequence of his deviation from strict monotheism and the resulting divine judgment. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of neglecting the principles of justice and humility in leadership. Despite this outcome, Solomon’s achievements and legacy as a wise ruler remain central to Israel’s cultural and religious heritage.

Similarities Between Solomon and Enki:

Wisdom: Both Solomon and Enki are celebrated for their wisdom. Solomon’s judicial decisions and writings echo Enki’s role as a god of wisdom and intelligence in Sumerian mythology.

Creativity and Building: Solomon’s construction of the First Temple parallels Enki’s reputation as a master architect who helped shape the world.

Association with Water: Solomon’s vast gardens and water systems evoke Enki’s domain over water and his role in ensuring fertility and abundance.

Connection with the Divine: Solomon’s relationship with God and request for wisdom mirror Enki’s role as a mediator and benefactor to humanity.

Complex Legacy: Both figures are multifaceted; Solomon’s later years and Enki’s sometimes rebellious actions highlight their complex characters.

Images of King Solomon:

Solomon sits on his ornate throne, delivering judgment in the case of the two women.

Solomon stands before the completed First Temple, dressed in royal robes, gesturing toward the sacred structure.

Solomon and the Queen of Sheba in a lavish court setting, surrounded by treasures and attendants.