| Solomon, king of
ancient Israel (reigned 961-922 BC), second son of David, king of Judah
and Israel, and Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 12:24). In later Jewish and Muslim
literature Solomon appears not only as the wisest of sages but as one gifted
with the power to control the spirits of the invisible world. He is frequently
noted in history and literature as the builder of the Temple. Solomon succeeded
his father despite the claims of Adonijah, his older half brother (see
1 Kings 1:1-40). He divided Israel into 12 parts for administrative purposes,
and his territory extended "from the river [Euphrates] unto the land of
the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt" (4:21). He made slaves of
the Canaanites who remained in the land (9:20-21) and formed an alliance
with Hiram (flourished 10th century BC), king of Tyre (now Sur, Lebanon).
In return for food, Hiram furnished him with timber, and the ships of the
allies went out trading together. The Temple, completed in about seven
years, was built in great splendor with Hiram's aid and dedicated with
much magnificence (see 1 Kings 8). Solomon's distinguishing quality was
as an administrator. He kept the united kingdom largely intact, strengthened
its fortifications, and made alliances not only with Tyre, but also with
several other nations surrounding Israel. Commerce, consisting of trade
by caravan and by sea, and an extensive copper-mining industry were encouraged
by the international intercourse. Contact with other nations also resulted
in a marked intellectual advance, and it may be assumed that genuine literary
activity was carried on. Solomon himself is traditionally regarded as an
author of high skill and remarkable output. The writings that have been
ascribed to him are the biblical Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes,
the Wisdom of Solomon, and the later Psalms of Solomon and Odes of Solomon.
Modern scholars have determined, however, that several were written centuries
later. The Odes, indeed, are possibly of Gnostic Christian authorship.
Despite his reputation for wisdom, it would seem that Solomon's extravagance
and disregard for his people were partly responsible for the later disruption
of the kingdom. Outside conditions, moreover, contributed to his original
success. The larger empires were preoccupied with their own affairs, and
Israel's trade and industry flourished in the absence of extensive warfare.
Source: Microsoft Encarta 97 |
