Folia Theologica 16. (2005)
Solomon Pasala: Archaeological Evidences for Solomonic period
130 S. PASALA 1.4. Solomon and the Wisdom Books : Like David, who is accredited with Israel's cultic music and the composer of the Psalms, Solomon is associated with the books of wisdom and love, which were compiled long after his day. He is associated with the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiates, The Songs of Songs and The Wisdom of Solomon. Why were they associated with Solomon? Presumably, as it was the tradition in the Ancient Middle East that a King patronized literary activity, king Solomon would have encouraged proverbial literature and instruction in his court. These books could belong to a literary tradition which Solomon patronized10. 1.5. A Short resume of the biblical accounts of Solomon From the preceding discussion of the Biblical material pertaining to Solomon we arrive at three conclusions. 1) Gen-IIKgs account must be our first source of information about Solomon and his reign. The Chronicler's account is of no significant help. Apart from these, there are no other significant Biblical sources. 2) The Gen-llkgs presentation of Solomon's reign consists of descriptions of his cultic activities and sweeping claims about his wisdom, wealth, international trade, and prestige. 3) Beneath the sweeping remarks, the results are disappointing and information does not support the claims. If we read between the lines we come to realize that Solomon inherited a kingdom that was by no means unified. The fact that Solomon contained and maintained the kingdom was an accomplishment in itself. Apparexatly the movement toward an autocratic, Jerusalem-based monarchy begun under David reached its full development under Solomon. Yet viewed in the border context of the ancient Middle East, he is to be regarded more a local ruler over an expanded city-state than a world-class emperor.11 This is the picture we get from the 10 M.J. MAXWELL — J.H. HAYES,A History of Ancient Israel and Judah, 198-199. 11 M.J. MAXWELL - J.H. HAYES.T History of Ancient Israel and Judah, 199.
