How Old Was King Solomon When He Died?

King Solomon, also known as Jedidiah, was a prominent monarch in ancient Israel. He was the son and successor of King David, playing a crucial role in the history of this important civilization. According to the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, Solomon was the penultimate ruler of a united Israel and Judah, with his reign speculated to have occurred between 970-931 BCE.

One of the most intriguing questions about this renowned figure is the age at which he passed away. Historians estimate that King Solomon lived until the age of 80 and died of natural causes in 931 BCE. His son, Rehoboam, inherited the throne, which ultimately led to a civil war and subsequently marked the end of the United Kingdom of Israel in 930 BCE.

Throughout his lifetime, King Solomon was known for his wisdom, extensive wealth, and the construction of several significant structures, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His story continues to captivate and hold relevance in various religious texts and historical analyses.

King Solomon’s Reign

Coronation Age

King Solomon’s exact age at the time of his coronation is not explicitly stated in the Bible. However, various sources suggest that he was around 20 years old when he ascended the throne. His father, King David, had promised Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, that Solomon would be the royal heir following David’s passing. Solomon’s battle for the crown commenced even before his father’s death, as another son, Adonijah, had conspired to claim the throne.

Length of Rule

Solomon reigned over Israel for a period of 40 years. The conventional dates of Solomon’s reign are derived from biblical chronology and are set between 970 to 931 BCE. Under Solomon’s rule, Israel experienced a time of great prosperity and growth, as he built the First Temple in Jerusalem and expanded the empire’s trade and influence.

Solomon’s wisdom and ability to establish a just and peaceful reign made him an iconic figure, and his legacy impacted the nation of Israel and the surrounding regions for generations to come.

Biblical References

Old Testament Accounts

King Solomon’s age when he died is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, there are some clues that can help us estimate his age at the time of his death. Solomon’s reign as king lasted for around 40 years. Although the Bible does not provide a specific age for Solomon when he became king, some non-Biblical sources suggest that he was about 20 years old when he ascended the throne. Based on this information, it can be estimated that Solomon was around 60 years old when he died.

During his reign, Solomon was known for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Old Testament also mentions that Solomon had many wives who influenced him, and as he grew older, his heart turned away from God.

Historical Texts

While the Bible is the primary source for information on King Solomon’s life and death, there are other historical texts that can provide additional context. In these texts, Solomon is often referred to as a wise and powerful ruler. However, these texts may not always align with the biblical account, and the information they provide on Solomon’s age at the time of his death may vary.

In conclusion, based on the available information from biblical and historical texts, it can be estimated that King Solomon was around 60 years old when he died.

Historical Records

Archaeological Evidence

The age and death of King Solomon have been widely debated for centuries, with various sources providing different accounts of his life. Unfortunately, there isn’t any direct archaeological evidence that specifically verifies his age upon death. However, other sources can provide a general overview and some clues about his possible age.

Chronological Discrepancies

While the exact age of Solomon when he died is not recorded, there are various facts that can be used to make educated estimates. Scriptural sources suggest that he was about 20 years old when he became king and reigned for 40 years, making him around 60 years old at the time of his death. It is crucial to note that these accounts have some chronological discrepancies, and not all historians agree on the precise details.

In conclusion, determining the exact age of King Solomon at the time of his death is challenging due to a lack of direct archaeological evidence and differing scriptural accounts. The general consensus is that he was about 60 years old when he passed away. However, further research and archaeological finds may provide more precise information in the future.

Scholarly Arguments

Age Estimates

Although the Bible does not provide an exact age for King Solomon at the time of his death, there are some indications that can help deduce his age. Most non-Biblical sources suggest that he was around 20 years old when he ascended the throne. Furthermore, according to 1 Kings 11:42 and 2 Chronicles 9:30, Solomon reigned for 40 years, which would make him approximately 60 years old when he died.

Historical Context

Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is considered one of the greatest kings of Israel. He ruled during a time of peace and prosperity, and his reign was characterized by the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the administration of his kingdom, and the establishment of commerce and international relations. However, the end of his reign is marked by a decline in his relationship with God, as he turned his focus towards earthly pleasures and allowed idolatry to seep into his kingdom.

Solomon’s reign and accomplishments provide a historical context for exploring the exact age at which he died. Nevertheless, it proves challenging to definitively pinpoint his age at death, given the various interpretations and materials available. The scholarly community continues to examine the available evidence to develop a clearer understanding of Solomon’s age and reign, taking into account the historical context of his time.

Conclusion

King Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, was a significant figure in ancient Israel. His wisdom and leadership helped to shape the course of the nation, and his story remains influential in modern times. Based on available sources, Solomon’s age at the time of his death can be estimated.

The Bible records that Solomon ruled for 40 years, and considering that he may have become king when he was around 20 years old, it can be inferred that Solomon was approximately 59 to 60 years old when he passed away. This age, while not definitive, serves as a reasonable estimate based on available information.

Solomon’s reign took place during a period of significant growth and development for the Israelite kingdom. His legacy, including the construction of the first Temple of Jerusalem, continues to shape the religious and cultural heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did Solomon reign as king?

Solomon reigned as king for 40 years according to 1 Kings 11:42 and 2 Chronicles 9:30.

When did King David die in relation to Solomon’s age?

King David died when Solomon was likely around 20 years old. Solomon’s birth occurred at least 10 years into David’s reign, making him under 30 when he became king, as noted in 1 Kings 3:1.

What is the cause of King Solomon’s death?

The cause of King Solomon’s death is not explicitly stated in the Bible. However, it can be inferred that he died at the age of around 60 years old based on the length of his reign and his age when he became king.

Who succeeded Solomon as king?

King Solomon was succeeded by his son Rehoboam, as mentioned in 1 Kings 11:43.

How many children did Solomon have?

The Bible doesn’t provide the exact number of children that King Solomon had. However, it does state that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, which suggests the possibility of numerous children 1 Kings 11:3.

Did King Solomon marry the Queen of Sheba?

The Bible does not explicitly state that King Solomon married the Queen of Sheba; however, it does describe their meeting, during which they exchanged gifts and had discussions on various topics 1 Kings 10:1-13. There are non-biblical stories and legends that suggest a marriage between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, but they are not supported by the biblical account.

How many wives did Solomon have?

King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, according to 1 Kings 11:3. Many of these marriages were arranged for political reasons – to establish diplomatic relationships and alliances with neighboring nations.