Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SOLOMON, TESTAMENT OF

A pseudepigraphal account, in haggadic style, of King Solomon building the Jerusalem temple. Written originally in koine Greek between 100-300 c.e., the purpose of the story is not easy to discern. It is complete with stories of demons, angels, magical spells, and astrology. While the narrative seems overburdened with such stories, the purpose of the Testament seems unclear. That by the 3rd century the temple was of no importance to Christians begs the question of importance.

Perhaps the text is designed to be “narrative therapy” for human problems (human frailty, sickness, death). Also, in keeping with the long tradition of Solomonic texts (Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Wisdom of Solomon, Odes of Solomon, Psalms of Solomon), this text may testify more against the individual who, like Solomon, puts physical pleasures and desires before God. Whoever places God first will find “grace forever” (T. Sol. 26:8).

Historically, the text is a mine of antique information regarding demonology, angelology, magic, dualism, and cosmology. Yet, for all this, there exists the curious fact that not only is belief in the afterlife not referred to, it is not even hinted at. There is only now. The text is, however, an invaluable resource for understanding religion in the beginning of Christianity.

Bibliography. D. C. Duling, “Testament of Solomon,” OTP 1:935-87.

Marc A. Jolley

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SOLOMON, TESTAMENT OF

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)