Credible Theories
Enoch, Jubilees and others · Testament of Solomon 1–26

Solomon's ring and the demons who build

ReferenceTestament of Solomon 1–26
Writtenc. 100–400 CE
SetSolomon, c. 950 BCE
The archangel Michael brings Solomon a ring with a seal. With it he summons demon after demon, makes each tell its name, its work, and which angel can stop it, then sets them to cut stone for the Temple.

Summary by the editors. Translation: Summary (Conybeare 1898 is the public-domain translation) · About the translator

Read it literally

A control device for non-human workers, and a full interrogation log. The Quran also says jinn built for Solomon.

What scholars say

A Greek magical text in Solomon's voice.

Spirits and jinn Looks like technology
People and places hereSolomon

Quick answers about Testament of Solomon 1–26

Where is Testament of Solomon 1–26 found?

Testament of Solomon 1–26 (Enoch, Jubilees and others). Translation quoted: F. C. Conybeare, "The Testament of Solomon," Jewish Quarterly Review 11 (1898).

When was Testament of Solomon 1–26 written?

c. 100–400 CE.

What do scholars say about Testament of Solomon 1–26?

A Greek magical text in Solomon's voice.

Rabbit holes in this passage

BeingJinnA second intelligent species made of smokeless fire, invisible, with free will, and once able to eavesdrop on the sky.

Sources

  1. F. C. Conybeare, "The Testament of Solomon," Jewish Quarterly Review 11 (1898)Primary text
  2. Quran 55:14–15; also 72:1–9 and 37:6–10, trans. Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of the Glorious Koran (1930)Primary text

Scholarly dates are rounded. The wording follows the named public-domain translation.

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