Question 1

The Deuteronomistic Historians stress obedience to the law of Moses in their writings. In what ways did the reign of Solomon epitomize this adherence to this law? In what ways did Solomon fail?

Accepted Answer

The reign of Solomon epitomized adherence to the law of Moses in several ways. Firstly, Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, which was in accordance with the law of Moses that required a central place of worship for the Israelites. Additionally, Solomon followed the laws regarding sacrifices and offerings, and he also upheld the laws of justice and righteousness by resolving disputes and administering fair judgment.

However, Solomon also failed to fully adhere to the law of Moses in certain aspects. He married many foreign wives, which was explicitly prohibited in the law of Moses, and these wives led him to worship foreign gods, violating the commandment to have no other gods before the Lord. Furthermore, Solomon's accumulation of wealth and forced labor for his building projects went against the laws of justice and compassion outlined in the Mosaic law.

Overall, while Solomon's reign exemplified obedience to the law of Moses in some ways, his failures in following certain commandments ultimately led to the division of the kingdom after his death.

Question 2

How do archaeological data from tenth-century bce Israel and the ancient Near East as a whole influence our understanding of Solomon's reign?

Accepted Answer

The archaeological data from tenth-century BCE Israel and the ancient Near East have greatly influenced our understanding of Solomon's reign. These findings have provided valuable insights into the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the time, shedding light on the historical context in which Solomon ruled.

For example, excavations at sites such as Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer have revealed evidence of monumental construction projects, including impressive city walls, gates, and administrative buildings. These findings suggest a centralized authority and a sophisticated level of organization and governance, which aligns with the biblical descriptions of Solomon's reign as a time of great prosperity and building projects.

Furthermore, the discovery of inscriptions and artifacts from neighboring kingdoms, such as the Aramean and Phoenician states, has highlighted the interconnectedness of the ancient Near East during this period. This evidence indicates that Solomon likely engaged in diplomatic and trade relations with these neighboring powers, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of his reign and the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time.

Additionally, the examination of material culture, including pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts, has provided valuable information about the daily life and religious practices of the people living in the region during Solomon's reign. This data has helped to paint a more comprehensive picture of the society and culture that Solomon presided over, offering a more holistic understanding of his rule.

In conclusion, the archaeological data from tenth-century BCE Israel and the ancient Near East have significantly enriched our understanding of Solomon's reign by providing concrete evidence of the political, economic, and cultural realities of the time. These findings have allowed historians and scholars to contextualize the biblical accounts of Solomon's reign within the broader historical and archaeological record, leading to a more nuanced and informed interpretation of this pivotal period in ancient history.

Question 3

What is the royal ideology? What are its major themes?

Accepted Answer

Royal ideology refers to a set of beliefs, symbols, narratives, and themes that legitimize the rule of a monarch or a royal dynasty. It is a conceptual framework that justifies the power and authority of a king or queen by ascribing to them a special status that is often believed to be ordained by divine or natural law. Royal ideology has been a significant aspect of governance in many historical and contemporary monarchies around the world.

The major themes of royal ideology typically include:

1. Divine Right of Kings: This is the belief that the monarch's right to rule is granted directly by a divine authority. The king or queen is often seen as God's representative on Earth, which means that their authority is unquestionable and resisting their rule is tantamount to defying the will of God.

2. Hereditary Succession: Royal ideology often includes the principle that the right to rule is inherited and that the royal bloodline has a unique quality that makes it suitable for leadership. This theme reinforces the continuity of the monarchy over generations and provides stability to the system of governance.

3. The King as a Father Figure: The monarch is often portrayed as a paternal figure who cares for and protects the people, similar to how a father would care for his family. This theme emphasizes the personal bond between the monarch and their subjects and the monarch's role in maintaining the social order.

4. The Monarch as the Embodiment of the State: In many royal ideologies, the king or queen is not just the head of state but is also seen as a personification of the nation or kingdom itself. The monarch's well-being and the state's prosperity are often seen as intertwined.

5. Ceremonial and Symbolic Role: Royal ideology imbues the monarch with a significant ceremonial and symbolic role. The rituals, ceremonies, and symbols associated with the monarchy serve to reinforce its legitimacy and the continuity of tradition.

6. Patronage of the Arts and Culture: Monarchs are often seen as patrons of the arts, culture, and religion. By supporting these spheres, they not only enhance their prestige but also contribute to the cultural and spiritual life of the nation.

7. Military Leadership: Historically, kings and queens were often expected to lead their armies in battle and defend their realms. The image of the monarch as a warrior-leader is a recurring theme in royal ideology, symbolizing strength and the ability to protect the nation.

8. Lawgiver: The monarch is often seen as the ultimate source of law and justice. Royal ideology can include the belief that the king or queen has the authority to enact laws, judge disputes, and ensure that justice is upheld in the kingdom.

Royal ideology is not static; it evolves over time and can vary significantly from one monarchy to another. It is shaped by historical events, cultural values, religious beliefs, and the personality of individual monarchs. Despite the variations, the central aim of royal ideology remains the same: to provide a rationale for monarchical rule and to maintain the social and political order that revolves around the monarchy.

Question 4

What role do women play in Solomon's reign?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What role do women play in Solomon's...

Question 5

Solomon was the oldest surviving son of David at the time of David's death.

Accepted Answer

Solomon was not the oldest surviving son of David; he was chosen by David to succeed him as king, but David had older sons, such as Adonijah, who were still alive at the time of David's death.

Question 6

The Tyre Stele provides independent corroboration of Solomon's treaty with Hiram.

Accepted Answer

The Tyre Stele does not provide independent corroboration of Solomon's treaty with Hiram; there is no known archaeological evidence directly confirming this biblical account.

Question 7

Solomon is credited with the composition of four of the psalms.

Accepted Answer

Solomon is traditionally credited with the composition of two psalms, Psalm 72 and Psalm 127, not four.

Question 8

Solomon likely wrote the Song of Solomon.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Solomon likely wrote the Song of Solomon....

Question 9

During the reign of Solomon, Israel was divided into twelve administrative districts.

Accepted Answer

Solomon divided Israel into twelve districts to organize the kingdom for taxation and administrative purposes.

Question 10

Solomon is the divine choice to succeed David.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Solomon is the divine choice to succeed...

Question 11

The prohibitions found in the Deuteronomic law of the king were probably based on the reign of Solomon.

Accepted Answer

The Deuteronomic law of the king, found in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, includes prohibitions against accumulating excessive wealth, horses, and wives, which are actions associated with King Solomon's reign, suggesting these laws were influenced by his example.

Question 12

Solomon can be credited with further centralizing religious worship in Israel.

Accepted Answer

Solomon centralized religious worship by building the First Temple in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites.

Question 13

The Phoenicians of Tyre were descended from the Canaanites.

Accepted Answer

The Phoenicians, including those from Tyre, were indeed descended from the Canaanites, an ancient Semitic-speaking people who lived in the region of the eastern Mediterranean.

Question 14

Solomon becomes king before David's death.

Accepted Answer

Solomon became king after David's death.

Question 15

Solomon is anointed by:

Accepted Answer

Solomon was anointed by Nathan the prophet and Zadok the priest, as described in the biblical account.

Question 16

Solomon was celebrated for all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and contributions to literature, but not for his military prowess.

Question 17

Worship continued at the Temple of Solomon until:

Accepted Answer

The Temple of Solomon, also known as the First Temple, was destroyed in 586 BCE by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar II, marking the end of worship there.

Question 18

Solomon first offers sacrifice personally at:

Accepted Answer

Solomon first offered sacrifices personally at Gibeon, where he went to offer a thousand burnt offerings on the altar.

Question 19

Solomon built gates in all of the following cities except:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Solomon built gates in all of the...

Question 20

An anonymous prophet proclaims _____________ to be the instrument of divine punishment and the future ruler of what will become the northern kingdom after Solomon's death:

Accepted Answer

Jeroboam was prophesied by the prophet Ahijah to become the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death.

Quiz 15: The Reign of Solomon