This web site is no longer being updated. The new updated site (without ads) can be found at: Bible Issues

The Wealth Of Solomon

Purpose Of This Study

The following is an investigation into Solomon’s wealth. This study will attempt to include all his sources of income, and all his expenditures. Was the Bible record consistent and credible? And if the Bible is consistent and accurate, how wealthy was Solomon? Where did all the wealth go, and for what did he use it?

Due to the ancient nature of the Bible record, some assumptions had to be made. This study is speculative, but known facts are used wherever possible. Surprisingly, there is enough evidence to draw some very interesting conclusions.

Several side issues concerning ancient Israel will also be brought to light: slavery, wages for labourers and soldiers, and the fate of foreigners, immigrants and or subjugated Canaanites.

Ancient Israel under Solomon was an organized economy, the first of its kind. Even today there isn’t one nation that comes close to Solomon’s success (see the Conclusion).

The tables below summarize Solomon’s income and expenses. For in depth details, see the individual studies. Study 1 contains most of the weights and measures, along with explanations and the various assumptions used in this investigation.

Solomon’s Income
Study #	Main Reference	Income Source	Amount (gold talents)
2	1 Chr 29:4-5	David’s Gift	3259.259
2	1 Chr 22:14	Conquest Tribute	137037.037
2	1 Chr 29:7	Israel’s Gift	5371.347
2	1 Kg 9:14	Hiram’s Gift	120.000
2	1 Kg 9:26-28	Ophir	450.000
2	1 Kg 10:10	Sheba’s Gift	120.000
2	1 Kg 10:14	Annual Income	26640.000
Accumulated over 40 years: 172997.643

Solomon’s Expenses
Study #	Main Reference	Expenditure	Amount (gold talents)
3	1 Kg 5:13	Labourers	5661.6
4	1 Kg 4:22	Daily Household Food	474.554
4	1 Kg 5:6	Government Wages	9850.612
5	1 Kg 5:11	Tyrian Trade Contract	554.623
5	1 Kg 10:16-17	Gold Shields	21
5	1 Kg 10:26-29	Chariots & Horses	414.814
5	1 Kg 10:26-29	Horse Upkeep	1802.469
6	1 Kg 6:14-22	Temple Interior	2450
6	1 Kg 7:47	Bronze Furnishings	503.811
7	1 Kg 8:63	Temple Dedication	871.297
7	1 Kg 9:26, 10:22	Two Trading Fleets	456.481
7	1 Kg 9:24, 3:4, Lev 1:3-9	3 Sacrifices A Year	18.518
7	1 Kg 11:1-8	1001 Wives	5700.139
7	1 Kg 11:5-8	Foreign Worship	741.481
Accumulated expenditures: 29521.397 Nation Building draws on all previous studies and suggests a possible use for the gold surplus.

For the rest of this article, visit it's new location at: Bible Issues

Home > The Wealth Of Solomon (Introduction)

Contact