Solomon is among the most interesting kings in the Bible. His wisdom is among the most outstanding gift he had. He is also widely known for the many wives and concubines he had.
Despite his luxurious life, God used Solomon in so many ways. However, where did Solomon go after he died? Did Solomon go to heaven?
The Bible does not state where Solomon went after he died, but some scholars believe he might have gone to heaven. Those who believe he went to heaven quote God’s promise to David that he would not forsake his household, including Solomon.
So, did Solomon repent his sins? Is the New Testament clear where Solomon went after he died? Do Christians and Bible scholars believe Solomon went to heaven after death? Continue reading to find the answers to these questions and more.
Did Solomon repent his sins in the book of Kings before he died?
In the book of Kings, it is unclear whether Solomon repented of his sins before he died. However, some Bible verses hint at Solomon mending his ways with God after he was allowed to build the temple.
Solomon notes in 1st Kings 8:61, “let your heart be wholly devoted to the lord our God, to walk in his statutes and to keep his commandments, as at this day.”
Later on, in the same book of Kings, God gets disappointed with Solomon as he notes that he turned his heart away from God.
In 1st Kings 11: 11, God tells Solomon that he will tear apart his Kingdom as he was disappointed in him: “So the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.'”
However, though the book of Kings does not talk about Solomon repenting, most Bible Scholars argue that the book of Ecclesiastes gives a hint of Solomon’s repentance.
This is mainly because though the author of the book of Ecclesiastes is not known, many scholars speculate that Solomon wrote the book. And if that is so, then there are some verses in the book that hint that the King repented before he died.
Ecclesiastes 12:13- 14 says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter, fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.”
Does the New Testament tell us where Solomon went after he died?
The New Testament does not tell us where Solomon went after he died. Though the New Testament uses Solomon as a reference severally, the references are not about his life after death but when he was on earth.
The gospel of Mathew mentions King Solomon when teaching about anxiety.
Mathew 6:28-29; “and why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
Additionally, the New Testament talks about Solomon building the temple. Acts 7: 45-47 says, “Our fathers, in turn, brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him.”
Therefore, as mentioned before, the New Testament is not clear about where Solomon went but mentions the good deeds of this King and what he did for God.
The question as to whether he went to heaven or not is still open for discussion.
Why do Christians believe that Solomon went to heaven?
Most Christians believe that Solomon went to heaven due to God’s promise to David. In 2nd Samuel 7, God made to David several promises, among them was that he would establish his house forever.
Additionally, the end of Ecclesiastes contributes to Christians believing that Solomon went to heaven.
However, the scripture is unclear about where Solomon went after his death. Therefore, bible readers cannot with absolute certainty conclude that Solomon went to heaven after his death.
Do Bible scholars believe that Solomon went to heaven after he died?
Some bible scholars believe Solomon went to heaven, but this cannot be proven with absolute certainty. The scripture is not explicitly clear whether King Solomon repented his sins before he died.
Those who believe Solomon repented his sins before he died rely on Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 which says, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
As mentioned above, this verse describes a man who has remorse for what he did and returns to the Lord.
References
Did King Solomon die in a State of broken fellowship with God?
Did Solomon repent before he died?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
