The biblical figure of King Solomon is well-known in the Christian faith, with World Book Encyclopedia describing him as “the son and successor of King David, who reigned over Israel from 970 to 930 BC.” Solomon was known for his wisdom and likewise his massive family, with numerous wives and children by both arranged marriages and love matches. Just how many children did he father?
The Old Testament book of 1 Kings provides a quick insight into just how extensive the family of King Solomon was. Having taken Pharaoh’s daughter as a wife, he became an even more powerful ruler amongst many nations for the marriage. It is noted that she bore him a son named Rehoboam before other wives were mentioned. In total, 1 Kings 11:3 mentions that Solomon had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines.
With such a sprawling family, it can be speculated that there would be plenty of offspring too. The New International Version Bible states that in all, King Solomon fathered 700 sons and daughters while married to these various women during his lifetime (1 Kings 11:3). It would be safe to assume that not all would have been treated equally or tended to by their father; yet according to fellow bible verse 2 Chronicles 9:25-27 this may not have been so at all: “King Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses [for] his chariot cities and for his horsemen […] So he reigned over all the kings from the River [Euphrates] as far as the land of the Philistines, down to Gaza…”
How Many Children Did Solomon Have According to the Bible?
Nations far past Jerusalem noted King Solomons hospitality with visitors from afar bearing gifts of spices, gold and precious stones; showing off not only his wealth but power (2 Chronicles 9:13). Amongst these offerings are also mentions of children sent on behalf of kings overseas – commenting on certain youths “trained in every form of wisdom” having come great distances for King Solomon’s court (2 Chronicles 9:1).
In combination with those born by royalty within Israel’s borders it is clear that the figure standing around 700 children holds true even when foreign sons are accounted for. This leaves little surprise as to why the kingdom prospered under such leadership – an abundance was enjoyed from its livestock through grain stores being plentiful up until Judgement Day. The descriptive account along with first-hand understanding provided in Proverbs 5-6 & 31 allow us a glimpse into how much focus king put on parenting each child regardless; providing them with knowledge rather than lavishness or empty promises which explains why so many bear testament to this unlikely unification between nations seen under one man’s governance so long ago.
Source:
Please could you advise me on the comment you made – ‘The New International Version Bible states that in all, King Solomon fathered 700 sons and daughters while married to these various women during his lifetime (1 Kings 11:3)’.
Where in the NIV does it say that – that Solomon fathered so many sons and daughters?
thanks!
David