The Testament of Solomon

The first- to third-century CE Testament of Solomon is one of the most enter-

taining and strange writings that we survey in this chapter. This work is at once

shocking and entertaining: It reveals that there was a large Jewish population

(and a Christian population) who maintained a very detailed and deeply held

belief about magical amulets and warding off demons. It also reveals that this

population felt that it was very important to have highly technical and detailed

information about the precise names of the demons and the precise names of

the angels used to ward off the power of the demons.

The setting and context of this book is the great building of the Temple in

Jerusalem. As you know from the biblical history, although David has the notion

to build a Temple in Jerusalem for the God of Israel, David isn’t able to carry out

his plan. Solomon, his son, is the one chosen for the task. This writing, however,

elaborates an entire series of legends about the construction of the Temple.

As the story begins, you’re introduced to a Temple construction worker whose

son (also working on the Temple, it seems) is plagued by a demon who is not

only stealing the wages of his work but is also literally sucking the life out of

the boy (out of his thumb!) every night. When this situation comes to the

attention of King Solomon, the King gives the boy a magic ring with powers

over demons. When the demon shows up, the boy throws the ring at the

demon and demands that he go to King Solomon himself! The demon is com-

pelled to go, and this is where the story gets interesting.

King Solomon demands to know the name of the demon, who is “Ornias.” Ornias

explains not only his name but also the zodiac sign he resides in (this is another

indication of Jewish interest in astrology at this early date). As King Solomon is

about to punish Ornias with forced labor, Ornias begs for mercy, whereupon

Solomon demands to meet the King of Demons himself! Using the magic ring,

“Beelzeboul” (similar to the name in Matthew 10:25) is brought to Solomon