Thematic Bible Images

God's Covenant with Solomon

God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he desired. Solomon, demonstrating wisdom, asked for a discerning heart to lead God's people.

God's Covenant with Solomon

1 Kings (3 Kings) 3:5-13


5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
6. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
7. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
8. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
10. And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.
11. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12. Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
13. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.


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Night falls on Jerusalem's walls, and a single star shines brightly in the night sky above the Temple, symbolizing God's unwavering promise and commitment to the covenant with Solomon.  The single star over the Temple, visible only at night, directly symbolizes God's enduring promise to Solomon, reinforcing the unbreakable nature of their covenant.Night falls on Jerusalem's walls, and a single star shines brightly in the night sky above the Temple, symbolizing God's unwavering promise and commitment to the covenant with Solomon.  The single star over the Temple, visible only at night, directly symbolizes God's enduring promise to Solomon, reinforcing the unbreakable nature of their covenant.A detailed depiction of the Temple's foundations being laid, showing massive stones being carefully placed, reflecting the solidity and permanence promised through God's covenant with Solomon.  The scene is devoid of people, focusing solely on the construction.  By focusing on the construction without human figures, the image emphasizes the lasting and solid nature of God's covenant, mirroring the stability and permanence of the Temple's foundation.
A majestic lion, symbol of power and wisdom, rests majestically under a large, spreading oak tree, representing the dominion and authority bestowed upon Solomon through God's covenant. The image is free from human presence.  The lion and oak tree represent the regal power and wisdom granted to Solomon through God's covenant, using symbolism rather than explicit narrative details.A macro close-up of Solomon's hands, holding a miniature model of the Temple under construction, with intricate details reflecting the covenant's grandeur and the promise of God's presence.  This macro close-up emphasizes the meticulous detail of the Temple model, symbolizing Solomon's dedication to the covenant with God.  It connects directly to the promise of God's presence within the Temple.A macro close-up of a richly adorned scepter, representing Solomon's royal authority, its carvings hinting at God's blessings and the covenant's promise. Dust motes dance in a sunbeam.  The richly detailed scepter represents Solomon's authority, granted through God's covenant, reflecting the blessings and wisdom promised in <a href=1 Kings 3:9-14 . The dust motes add a touch of realism.' />
Bright morning sunlight illuminates a field of wheat, ripe and golden, symbolizing the prosperity promised to Solomon and his kingdom under God's covenant. A gentle breeze rustles the stalks.  The abundance of the wheat field symbolizes the prosperity promised in God's covenant with Solomon (<a href=1 Kings 3:12 ). The bright morning light evokes a sense of hope and new beginnings.' />Orange and yellow morning sunlight bathes an olive grove, its ancient trees laden with fruit, representing peace and abundance, symbols of God's blessings to Solomon and his reign.  The olive grove, a symbol of peace and abundance, reflects the blessings bestowed upon Solomon's reign due to his obedience and wisdom, as described in the covenant.As the sun sets, casting long shadows across a desert landscape, a lone camel caravan makes its way toward Jerusalem, representing trade and the wealth that flowed under Solomon's wise rule – a testament to God's covenant.  The setting sun and caravan portray the flourishing trade under Solomon's wise rule, highlighting the material blessings promised through God's covenant (1 Kings 10).
Evening twilight paints the sky with vibrant hues as shepherds tend their flocks near Jerusalem's walls. The peaceful scene reflects the security and stability brought about by God's covenant with Solomon.  The evening scene emphasizes the peace and security that characterized Solomon's reign, a direct result of his adherence to God's covenant.Solomon, surrounded by his advisors, receives a delegation of foreign dignitaries bearing gifts at sunrise, representing the influence and respect gained through God's covenant. Sunlight streams in through a palace window.  This scene depicts Solomon's wisdom and the international influence his reign achieved due to his covenant with God, bringing in riches and respect.Morning light shines on Solomon leading a prayer ceremony at the altar of the Temple, still under construction, reflecting his dedication to God and his commitment to the covenant.  The morning prayer ceremony underscores Solomon's commitment and devotion to God, which is fundamental to the covenant and its success.
A nighttime scene depicts Solomon's palace, illuminated by many oil lamps, bustling with activity as scribes diligently record his wise judgments, representing the covenant's impact on justice and governance. A lone guard stands watch.  The nighttime activity in the palace demonstrates the order and justice upheld through Solomon's wise judgments, highlighting the positive societal impact of the covenant. overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
 overlayed with the bible verse  5. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : God's Covenant with Solomon

  • A macro close-up of Solomon's hands, holding a miniature model of the Temple under construction, with intricate details reflecting the covenant's grandeur and the promise of God's presence.
  • A macro close-up of a richly adorned scepter, representing Solomon's royal authority, its carvings hinting at God's blessings and the covenant's promise. Dust motes dance in a sunbeam.
  • Bright morning sunlight illuminates a field of wheat, ripe and golden, symbolizing the prosperity promised to Solomon and his kingdom under God's covenant. A gentle breeze rustles the stalks.
  • Orange and yellow morning sunlight bathes an olive grove, its ancient trees laden with fruit, representing peace and abundance, symbols of God's blessings to Solomon and his reign.
  • As the sun sets, casting long shadows across a desert landscape, a lone camel caravan makes its way toward Jerusalem, representing trade and the wealth that flowed under Solomon's wise rule – a testament to God's covenant.
  • Evening twilight paints the sky with vibrant hues as shepherds tend their flocks near Jerusalem's walls. The peaceful scene reflects the security and stability brought about by God's covenant with Solomon.
  • Solomon, surrounded by his advisors, receives a delegation of foreign dignitaries bearing gifts at sunrise, representing the influence and respect gained through God's covenant. Sunlight streams in through a palace window.
  • Morning light shines on Solomon leading a prayer ceremony at the altar of the Temple, still under construction, reflecting his dedication to God and his commitment to the covenant.
  • A nighttime scene depicts Solomon's palace, illuminated by many oil lamps, bustling with activity as scribes diligently record his wise judgments, representing the covenant's impact on justice and governance. A lone guard stands watch.
  • Night falls on Jerusalem's walls, and a single star shines brightly in the night sky above the Temple, symbolizing God's unwavering promise and commitment to the covenant with Solomon.
  • A detailed depiction of the Temple's foundations being laid, showing massive stones being carefully placed, reflecting the solidity and permanence promised through God's covenant with Solomon. The scene is devoid of people, focusing solely on the construction.
  • A majestic lion, symbol of power and wisdom, rests majestically under a large, spreading oak tree, representing the dominion and authority bestowed upon Solomon through God's covenant. The image is free from human presence.

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Solomon's Wisdom; The Judgment of Solomon

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Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book

Solomon's Wisdom: A King's Judgment

Adonijah's Usurpation: A King's Ambitions
Ahab's Wars and Death: A King's Downfall
Construction of Solomon's Temple
David's Farewell Instructions to Solomon
Dedication of the Temple - Solomon's Splendor
Division of the Kingdom: Solomon's Folly
Elijah's Flight and Encounter with God
Elijah's Drought: A Land Parched
Elijah's Contest on Mount Carmel: A Showdown with Baal
God's Covenant with Solomon
Kings of Judah and Israel: Solomon's Wisdom
Preparations for Solomon's Temple: Gathering the Materials
Prophecies against Jeroboam and Rehoboam
The Rise of King Ahab: A Kingdom Divided
Solomon's Downfall: From Wisdom to Idolatry
Solomon's Officials and Prosperity
Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings: A Splendor of Gold and Ivory
Solomon's Wisdom: A King's Judgment
The Queen of Sheba's Visit to King Solomon
Jeroboam and the Man of God: A Confrontation of Faith and Power

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Related Pages: thematic Bible Images (French Version)