Early in Israel’s monarchy, King David’s son Solomon succeeded him on the throne. He is remembered for his wisdom, the quality for which he prayed as a young ruler (see I Kings 3:5–14). Much of the book of Proverbs is attributed to him, and his astute judgment of two women who quarreled over an infant is still respected today. 

Solomon’s most significant act may have been the building of the first Jewish Temple. Before this, the Hebrew people worshiped God in portable tabernacles. Though David had planned to build a permanent temple, God instructed him to leave this monumental task to Solomon (see II Samuel 7:1–17). 

The Jerusalem Temple, built of stone and cedar, took seven years to complete. Lavishly decorated with gold, silver, and bronze, it was the home of the ark of the covenant, containing the Ten Commandments, for nearly four centuries. (The Temple was destroyed—and its contents plundered—by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar circa 587 bc.)