King Solomon had all the fame and fortune that any man could want. He was the world’s wisest and wealthiest king. And yet, tragically, he threw it all away for the love of money, the pleasures of sex, and the powers of an earthly kingdom.

In studying the life of Solomon, we see both the true greatness and the tragic failure of our own humanity—from godly devotion to self-serving excess. Even in the midst of our best intentions, we are all prone to succumb to the same temptations of money, sex, and power. And if Solomon’s incredible wisdom could not prevent him from such tragic mistakes, then how are we to triumph over the same temptations?

Philip Graham Ryken shows us how, by the grace of God, to prevent those downfalls and to seek God’s glory amid earthly temptations through this rich, Christ-centered study of the life of Solomon.

Table of Contents:

1. Long Live the King!
2. Putting the Kingdom First
3. Solomon’s Wish
4. The Wisdom of Solomon
5. The Peaceable Kingdom
6. Inside Solomon’s Temple
7. Better Homes and Gardens
8. The Ark of the Covenant and the Glory
9. Solomon’s Choice
10. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
11. Sic Transit Gloria Mundi
12. A Royal Tragedy
13. The Fall of the House of David

About the Author 

Philip Graham Ryken (DPhil, University of Oxford) is the eighth president of Wheaton College. Formerly, he served as senior minister of Philadelphia’s historic Tenth Presbyterian Church. He has written or edited more than 40 books, including the popular title Loving the Way Jesus Loves, and has lectured and preached at universities and seminaries worldwide.

Endorsements 

“Articulate and challenging, Ryken brings fresh insight to familiar problems from less familiar passages of scripture. With power and practicality he helps us understand why these temptations are so great but why Christ is greater still.” - James MacDonald, Senior Pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel, Chicagoland Area; radio teacher, Walk in the Word

“With the skill of a theologian and the heart of a pastor, Ryken takes you from the demise of one king to the victory of the King of kings. Read and you’ll find more than the story of Solomon; you’ll find the gospel in beautiful and powerful relief.” - Paul Tripp, President, Paul Tripp Ministries; author, What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage