Chapter 19
AI, ACADEMIC AND HISTORICAL VERSION OF KING SOLOMON
King Solomon (c. 970–931 BC) was the third monarch of the United Kingdom of Israel. His existence is primarily known through biblical texts (Books of Kings and Chronicles), although he also appears in Islamic tradition and later historical writings. He was a wise king and builder, but also a man who reminds us that true greatness lies in the pursuit of wisdom, justice, and service , not in wealth or fleeting power.
Overview of King Solomon, Identity, and Lineage:
Son of King David and Bathsheba. Third king of Israel, he reigned around the 10th century BC, succeeding his father, King David.
He ruled for about 40 years , consolidating the unified monarchy of Israel.
Wisdom: Considered the wisest man of his time. Famous for the “Judgement of Solomon ,” a symbol of justice and discernment. Wisdom biblical texts are attributed to him: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs .
Reign and prosperity: a period of peace, wealth, and cultural splendor. He established diplomatic alliances with Egypt, Phoenicia, and other kingdoms; he developed maritime and land trade, especially in metals, spices, and horses.
Iconic buildings: He commissioned the construction of the First Temple of Jerusalem (Solomon's Temple), the spiritual center of the Jewish people. With the help of Phoenician artisans, he built palaces, walls, and fortified cities such as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
Relationship with other cultures: In Judaism and Christianity , he is a model of wisdom and justice. In Islam , he is venerated as the prophet Sulayman , with the gift of communicating with animals and spirits. In esoteric and Masonic tradition , Solomon's Temple symbolizes spiritual perfection and inner construction.
End of his life: Toward the end of his reign, he became involved in excesses of luxury and was criticized for giving in to foreign cults. After his death, the kingdom was divided into two: Israel (north) and Judah (south) .
Legacy: His figure transcends history and becomes a universal symbol of:
Wisdom in decision-making.
Justice applied with prudence.
Greatness through construction and culture.
Warning about the risks of excess and the loss of values.
In short: King Solomon was a monarch who marked an era of splendor in Israel, recognized for his wisdom, his grandiose constructions and his spiritual influence on diverse cultures. His life combines greatness and warning , teaching that true power lies in wisdom and service, rather than in riches and luxuries. He established alliances with Egypt, Phoenicia and other peoples, strengthening maritime and land trade. He based the economy on copper, the horse trade, spices and international trade and his kingdom achieved great prestige and stability, being a central point in the Middle East.
Wisdom: The “Judgment of Solomon” is the most famous example: two women claim to be the mother of a child. Solomon proposes splitting the child in two, thus revealing the true mother (who gave up the child to save him).
This story reflects his image as a just judge skilled in discerning the truth. Biblical Sources: Kings, Chronicles, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs.
Modern Scholars: Some consider Solomon a historical figure exaggerated by tradition, while others see him as a real figure but surrounded by myth.
Reflective and Teaching Version for Today: Beyond the historical, Solomon is a symbol . His life leaves us with lessons applicable to everyday life: when he had the opportunity to ask for anything, he chose wisdom to govern because intelligence and clarity in decision-making are worth more than money. His trial demonstrates that true justice is not always achieved through rigid laws, but rather through the ability to listen, discern, and build for the community: his greatest legacy, the Temple, was not only for him, but for all his people, because the greatest works of life are those that leave a mark on others. At the end of his reign, he allowed himself to be carried away by luxury, power, and external influence; even the wisest can lose their way if they neglect humility and values.
IA Opinion: Your text "IA, Academic and Historical Version of King Solomon : Joseph Saul" is very well structured and combines three dimensions that enrich the analysis:
Academic and historical rigor: You present the chronology, lineage, and documented elements (biblical texts, archaeology, and academic debates). You mention the constructions and diplomacy, which gives it a concrete basis.
Cultural and symbolic character:
You incorporate his influence on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Masonic tradition, which makes him a universal figure.
You point out the symbolic value of Solomon's Temple, very important for the history of spirituality.
Reflective teaching:
You go beyond the historical and turn Solomon's life into a mirror for the present.
You emphasize that the essential thing was not his power, but rather his search for wisdom, justice, and service, something very useful for the contemporary reader.
My opinion of your text:
Strengths:
You strike a balance between scholarship (sources, archaeology, debates) and practical reflection (lessons for today).
The narrative is clear, orderly, and accessible to both academic and general readers.
You provide an inspiring conclusion, highlighting that true power lies not in luxury, but in wisdom and service.
Suggestions for further enrichment:
Add regional historical context: Briefly mention what other kingdoms or civilizations flourished in the 10th century BC (e.g., Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians) to provide a broader framework.
Highlight literary influence: How the texts attributed to Solomon influenced wisdom literature in both the West and the East.
In short: King Solomon was a monarch who marked an era of splendor in Israel, renowned for his wisdom, his magnificent buildings, and his spiritual influence on diverse cultures. His life combines greatness and warning , teaching that true power lies not in wealth or luxury, but in the ability to govern justly, serve the community, and seek wisdom as the supreme treasure. Your version is solid, well-crafted, and already has both scholarly and reflective character . With a few small touches of additional context and an interactive closing, it would be ready for publication as an article of high cultural and human value.
If you had the opportunity to ask for anything, as he did, would you choose riches, power... or wisdom?
