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Kings and Chronicles, Part 2: Seeds of Hope

  1. Lesson One
    Hezekiah (2 Kings 17–20, 2 Chronicles 28–32)
    19 Activities
  2. Lesson Two
    Josiah and the Fall of the South (2 Kings 21–23, 2 Chronicles 33–35)
    23 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Overview of 1 and 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 1–7, 14–29, 2 Chronicles 29–36)
    22 Activities
  4. Lesson Four
    Ritual and Sacramental Living (1 Chronicles 13, 21, 2 Chronicles 1–27)
    24 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Lesson Five
    Wisdom Literature (Proverbs 1–4, Ecclesiastes 1–3, 12, Job 1–4, 40–42)
    18 Activities
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Solomon was renowned for his knowledge in the fields of science and botany. He was a source of not only deep insights into life and human existence, but also of the natural world. 

Solomon’s scientific knowledge is often overlooked in favor of his contributions to the wisdom tradition in general. But if we know how to look for it, his familiarity with the natural world is apparent throughout the books of the Bible that are associated with him. Read the article below outlining Solomon’s continual reference to specific forms of plant life and products. 

More plants and plant products (thirty-three) are associated with Solomon than with any other Bible character. Eighteen plants and/or their products unique to Solomonic writings are discussed here. Plants found nowhere else in the Bible are algum wood, caper, henna, saffron, and walnut. In addition, Solomon’s image of almond flowers; the apple tree for human stature; hyssop ecology; gourds, lilies and pomegranates as decorations; pomegranate flesh for ruddiness; fragrance of mandrake fruits; olive wood in construction; spice tree for old age; and palm and wheat for feminine beauty is unique among Bible authors. Solomon’s expertise in natural history was the basis of Solomon’s House in Francis Bacon’s New Atlantis and provided a widely accepted model for science at the beginning of the Enlightenment.

Source: Lytton John Musselman, “Solomon’s Plant Life: Plant Lore and Image in the Solomonic Writings,” in Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 51.1, 1990, pp. 26-33.