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History of the Franks

St Gregory of Tours, tr. Dalton, 1927

Book 1, 13. Of Solomon, and of the Building of the Temple

After the death of David, when his son had begun to reign, the Lord appeared to him, and promised to grant whatsoever he should ask of Him. But he, despising earthly riches, sought rather wisdom. Which thing was approved of the Lord, so that He said to Solomon: Because thou hast not sought the kingdoms of the world, nor the riches thereof, but hast asked for thyself understanding, therefore shall it be given thee. There hath been none thus wise before thee, neither shall be any after thee.¹ And this was afterwards proven by the judgement which he gave between two women who disputed for a child. This Solomon builded to the name of the Lord a temple marvellously wrought, employing thereon much gold and silver, bronze and iron, so that there were some who said that never was building wrought like unto it in the world.

From the departure of the Children of Israel out of Egypt to the building of the Temple, which took place in the seventh year of Solomon’s reign, are found four hundred and eighty years, as the history of the Kings bears witness.²

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