Why Another History of Israel? The Reign of Solomon

What A History of Ancient Israel offers is a synthesis of biblical and extrabiblical evidence to provide a complete account of each historical era. My studies in both master’s and doctoral programs emphasized biblical geography and archaeology in the service of history, and this book is my way of sharing the insights I’ve gained over three decades of teaching in the classroom and guiding students in the field. Today I want to show you how this approach helps illuminate the reign of Solomon. In looking at the evidence, it’s clear that the descriptions of Solomon’s wealth were not exaggerated: New discoveries at the copper mines of Faynan and Timna correspond chronologically with the reign of Solomon A network of dozens of fortresses in the Negev corresponds with Solomon’s control of the trade routes for the copper industry Archaeological evidence connects the kingdom of Sheba with Jerusalem and supports Solomon’s two maritime trade networks Solomon’s character has been misunderstood in a number of ways: Solomon’s severe actions in securing his throne were not ruthless but righteous Solomon’s division of the nation into twelve administrative districts did not favor Judah at the expen...