When did Solomon die and how long did he rule?
Solomon died in the year 931 BCE after ruling for forty years. He ascended to power at only fifteen years old following the death of his father King David.
Questions about Solomon
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who succeeded Solomon as king of Israel?
Rehoboam succeeded Solomon but lost ten tribes to Jeroboam. This division created the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
Did scholars agree that Solomon existed historically?
Scholars have debated whether Solomon truly existed since the nineteenth century. Yigael Yadin excavated sites like Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer claiming they dated from his reign while others argued these structures belonged to the Omride period over a century later.
How is Solomon regarded in Islam and Christianity?
Christianity traditionally accepts Solomon as a historical figure though some modern scholars question his authorship of attributed texts. Islam regards Solomon as Sulaimān ibn Dāwūd, a prophet and messenger of God who never participated in idolatry.
What legends describe Solomon's control over spirits and demons?
The Testament of Solomon contains elaborate demonology describing how Solomon controlled spirits using his magic ring. One legend tells how Asmodeus threw Solomon's ring into the sea where a fish swallowed it before a fisherman revealed the ring to Solomon.