"Beloved of Yahweh", second son of David by wife Bathsheba, born 970 BC, Solomon was eighteen years old when he ascended to the throne; his reign lasted forty years and, unlike his father's, was devoid of incident. His kingdom extended from the Euphrates River in the north to Egypt in the south. He built many magnificent buildings, including the great temple of Jerusalem. A story is told that when he ascended to the throne, Jehovah appeared in a dream and offered him a boon. The young ruler did not ask for long life or wealth but prayed for an understanding heart. Jehovah granted this wish and Solomon was considered the wisest of men. He was a philosopher and a poet and people came from all corners to listen to him. The year of his death is approximately between 938 and 916 B. C.

Solomon's Poetry

My heart was split, and a flower
appeared: and grace sprang up;
and it bore fruit for my God.
You split me, tore my heart
open, filled me with love.
You poured your spirit into me;
I knew you as I know myself.
Speaking waters touched me
from your fountain, the source of life.
I swallowed them and was drunk
with the water that never dies.
And my drunkenness was insight,
intimacy with your spirit.
And you have made all things new;
you have showed me all things shining.
You have granted me perfect ease;
I have become like Paradise,
a garden whose fruit is joy;
and you are the sun upon me.
My eyes are radiant with your spirit;
my nostrils fill with your fragrance.
My ears delight in your music,
and my face is covered with your dew.
Blessed are the men and women
who are planted on your earth, in your garden,
who grow as your trees and flowers grow,
who transform their darkness to light.
Their roots plunge into darkness;
their faces turn toward the light.
All those who love you are beautiful;
they overflow with your presence
so that they can do nothing but good.
There is infinite space in your garden;
all men, all women are welcome here;
all they need do is enter.