Son of David and King of Israel from c970 to 931 BC. As the builder of the temple in Jerusalem, he is shown here holding a church.

SOLOMON is the son of David and is one of the best remembered kings of Israel. He built the great temple at Jerusalem and was known for his great wealth, such that the Queen of Sheba travelled from Arabia (the part now known as Yemen) to visit him. Solomon evidently began his reign with high

ideals but his religion was associated with external display. Yet, despite his self-indulgence and pride in his wealth, Solomon was recognised for his wisdom. In a famous dispute between two women over the maternity of a child, he displayed a shrewd knowledge of human nature (this story can be read in 1 Kings 3, 16-28). Bishop John Davies