Solomon's great wealth 'was all vanity, vexation'
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Solomon ruled the kingdom left by his father, David.
A stream of tribute from conquered peoples, as well as gifts from free kings far and near, put Solomon in a position where it was said he "exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom." (1 Kings 10:23.)"The glory and splendor of Solomon's kingdom and his many foreign wives required more wealth than came to him from outside sources," wrote J.A. Washburn in Story of the Old Testament.
"He taxed his own people until the burden was unbearable. Jeroboam, one of his governors, rebelled and had to flee to Egypt for safety.
"Only his strong military power held the people down. Like Saul and David, he came to the end of his life in disappointment.
"After all his wealth and glory had been secured, he exclaimed, `Then I looked upon all the works that mine hands had wrought . . . and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun." (Eccl. 2:11.)
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: The House of the Lord, by Elder James E. Talmage; Story of the Old Testament, by J.W. Washburn; and April and October 1982 general conference reports.
