King Solomon

King Solomon

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King Solomon is known for his wisdom and his riches. He was King over an area that spanned from the Euphrates River to Egypt. He is credited with the building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and during his reign he split his kingdom into twelve tribes, including Judah.

As the son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon wasn't David's oldest son. Adonijah, the eldest, was neglected because David had promised Bathsheba that her son would be King. Although young, Solomon was wise. One of the most famous anecdotes in the Bible describes how two women came to him with a child, vying for possession. He ordered the baby be cut in half so that each woman could have her fair share. When one woman begged for the baby to be allowed to live, Solomon knew that it was she and not the passive woman who was the true mother.

In his old age, Solomon had many foreign wives, whom he allowed to worship false gods. He favored Judah, and other tribes became resentful, especially due to his heavy taxation. And thus when his son Rehoboam, then-King of Judah, inherited the kingdom, it promptly split into two. The Songs of Solomon

Also known as the Song of Songs, the Songs of Solomon were supposedly written by King Solomon sometime in the 10th century BCE. King Solomon also wrote the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The book is about a courtship between a man and a woman. Allegorically, the Songs of Solomon are read as describing the relationship between God and Israel.

At only 117 verses, it is one of the Bible's shortest books. In Ashkenazi Judaism, it is read on the Shabbat that falls during Passover. In Sephardic Judaism, it is read every Friday night.

Famous lines include 1:10: "Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold." Chapter 4 has beautiful poetry, including verses 2: "Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them," and 11: "Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon."

These beautiful verses, though thousands of years old, are still as poignant and soft as the day they were written. As such, it is common to see the Song of Songs inscribed on Ketubot. For what better way to commemorate a marriage than with three thousand year old poetry written by one of the wisest kings the world has ever known - King Solomon.

About the Author:
ArtCreationsUnlimited.com features exclusive Jewish art and paintings by Israeli artists. Our authentic Judaica pieces include beautiful ketubahs and wedding gifts, as well as paintings, prayers and blessings, and other creations perfect for Jewish High Holidays.



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