B. The Foundation of Solomon's Reign 2:13-4:34

 1. Solomon's purges 2:13-46

Solomon wrote that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7; cf. Eccles. 12:13; Ps. 111:10). At the very beginning of his reign he gave evidence of being wise by the way he dealt with his political enemies. His wise decisions at this time resulted in peace and prosperity for Israel for the next 40 years (971-931 B.C.).

 2. Solomon's wisdom from God ch. 3

The flowing narrative of chapters 1-2 now gives way to reports and lists that catalogue facts about Solomon's reign.

The writer constructed the Solomon narrative (chs. 3-11), like so many others in the Old Testament, to draw attention to the fulfillment or lack of fulfillment of prophecies made earlier.³⁶The prophecy lies in 3:3-14, and we can trace the fulfillment through chapter 11.

This chapter emphasizes one of the chief blessings God bestowed on Solomon for his commitment and submission to Yahweh. By giving Solomon unusual wisdom God also blessed the nation he served as king.

"The characteristics of Solomon's wisdom and glory were not selected just to continue the picture of an ideal king by showing him in a favourable [sic] light. Throughout, and in the epilogue on his reign (11:1-13, 33), the history comments on its deficiencies in theological terms. A similar appraisal will be used to judge successive rulers against the reigns of David and Solomon."³⁷

 3. Solomon's political strength ch. 4

God also blessed Israel through Solomon by giving him wisdom to organize and administer the political affairs of the nation effectively, as this chapter records.