Solomon the Wise (1034 BC-975 BC) was King of the Israelites from 1015 to 974 BC, succeeding David and preceding Rehoboam.
Biography[]
Solomon was born in Jerusalem, the second son of King David and his wife Bathsheba; his elder brother died a week after birth, while he was the elder brother of Nathan, Shammua, and Shobab. In 1015 BC, as David came close to death, Solomon's martially-inclined older half-brother Adonijah claimed the throne for himself, supported by the priest Abiathar and the general Joab. However, Solomon disputed his brother's unilateral move, and Solomon was backed by the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, and the royal bodyguard commander Benaiah. Bathsheba persuaded David to formally proclaim Solomon's accession to the throne from his deathbed, and Solomon became king six months before his father's death. Adonijah purged his brother's supporters, including Joab, and appointed friends to positions of leadership. Adonijah surrendered to his brother after his supporters deserted him, but, after Adonijah attempted to marry his late father's concubine Abishag in 1014 BC, Solomon put him to death for harboring continued royal pretensions.
Solomon also greatly expanded his military strength and created colonies which doubles as trading posts and military outposts, and he befriended King Hiram I of Tyre while expanding Israel's trade network. Solomon became the wealthiest of the Israelite kings, and he took 700 wives and 300 concubines, including princesses from Egypt (the daughter of Pharaoh Siamun), Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and the Hittites. Among his affairs was with Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, with whom he fathered Menelik I of Axum. From 1012 to 1005 BC, Solomon built a temple around the Holy of Holies and the Ark of the Covenant, aided by King Hiram. In 975 BC, an elderly and wise Solomon forsook his lusts and vanities, and he died that same year. He was said to have written the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs during his lifetime.
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