The nature of Solomon’s fall from kingship shows how the text is considered to be associated with the theology of the Deuteronomistic School. On the other hand, as seen within each proceeding monarch, Solomon’s spiritually unified kingdom quickly comes falling down around the king. From chapter 3 to 10, the reader witnesses the ‘golden era’ of Solomon’s kingship. Moreover, Solomon houses the ark within the temple, establishing the protagonist’s presence in a permanent dwelling of Yahweh’s choosing. Solomon erects the temple in Jerusalem in chapter 6, fulfilling the promise between Yahweh and David in the text of Samuel. “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern your great people” (1 Kings 3:9 ESV) Finding favor in Yahweh’s eyes, Solomon quickly establishes a unified kingdom, secures great wealth, and is characterized as the wisest man in all of the lands. In chapter 3, Solomon is shown as a spiritually proactive king asking for wisdom from the protagonist.
Solomon’s reign as King of Israel begins in grand fashion.
Likewise, an in-depth exploration of the characteristics of both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms, will help the reader grasp the true nature Israel’s divided kingdom. To better understand the ‘nature’ of the divided Kingdom of Israel, the reader must first examine the folly of Solomon as well as the downfall’s lasting influence on the kingships to follow. Starting with Solomon’s downfall, the reader observes the Kingdom of Israel spiraling downhill to the point of full division between the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. Solomon’s rule over Israel starts strong, invoking wisdom from Yahweh and assuming great wealth as a favored king of the protagonist, but like previous monarchs before, Solomon falls victim to his own human folly. In fact, the first eleven chapters of 1 st Kings are set within a unified kingdom ruled by Solomon. As King David’s reign ends, and the crown of Israel’s leadership passes on to David’s son Solomon, the status of the Israelite nation can be described as unified.
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