United Monarchy (c.1030-c.931 BC)
After twenty years of oppression Samuel, the last of the Israelite judges and the first of the major prophets, led the people in a successful battle against the Philistines. When Samuel grew old the people asked him to appoint a permanent leader.
• House of Saul (c.1030-c.1005 BC)
He eventually anointed Saul (c.72; r.c.1030-c.1007 BC), from the tribe of Benjamin, to be the first king of Israel. Saul and three of his sons were killed in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. The succession to his throne was contested by his only surviving son Ishbaal (c.42; r.c.1007-c.1005 BC), and David (c.70; r.1003-c.970 BC), from the tribe of Judah.
• House of David (→ Judah; c.1003-586 BC)
David began life as a shepherd boy, the eighth son of Jesse, who lived in Bethlehem. He was a fighter all his life. Hearing of his defeat of Goliath, Saul made him commander over his armies. David was successful in many battles and his popularity with the people made Saul fearful. Saul tried to kill him but warned by Saul’s son Jonathan, David fled and became a mercenary in the pay of the Philistine king of Gath. On the death of Saul, David established himself as king over Judah with residence at Hebron, while Ishbaal was recognized in northern Israel as Saul’s successor. After the assassination of Ishbaal, David was also recognized as king of northern Israel.
David won a decisive victory over the Philistines and expanded his kingdom by subduing Damascus, Ammon, Moab and Edom, and made a treaty with Hiram-I of Tyre (53; r.980-947 BC). For the first and only time in its history Israel became a great power. David also conquered Jerusalem, which was previously a Canaanite town called Jebus, held by Jebusites, and made it the capital of his kingdom. He then made Jerusalem the centre of the worship of Jehovah and brought to it the Arc of the Covenant after its release by the Philistines.
David was succeeded by his son Solomon (c.80; r.c.971-c.931 BC). Solomon is described as surrounding himself with all the luxuries and the external grandeur of an Eastern monarch, and his government prospered. During his reign, Edom and Damascus were lost, but in other respects he managed to retain good relations with his neighbours. He married an Egyptian princess and preserved David’s treaty with Hiram. He also developed mercantile connections with other countries, which seem to have brought wealth to the country.
It is generally thought that the first attempt to collect Israel’s historical traditions was made under Solomon. He is, however, best known as a builder and rebuilder of cities. At Jerusalem, thirteen years were spent constructing a palace complex, including the Temple (the ‘First Temple’), which took over seven years to build. He exported wheat and olive oil in exchange for the lumber and gold required for these projects.
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