... who were anti-monarchical and scrutinised his failings as partly responsible for the nation's eventual collapse. As with contemporaneous rulers in the Ancient Near East, Solomon's rule was centred on him personally. His character would determine his destiny, especially as he was to be chronicled in an inherently retrospective book. Solomon's ascension was bloody yet swift as he bypassed his half brother Adonijah with the help of Bathsheba, Zadock and Nathan. Boadt commends him for being decisive and ruthless, ruling as an autocrat Solomon needed to be unscrupulous in disposing threats like Shimei, Joab, Abithar and Adonijah. Solomon was the first king of the new monarchy to succeed dynastically. His mandate was potent as his father's line was elected and shared a unique covenant with Yahweh. Solomon capitalised on his father's popularity and was lauded as "excelling all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom" (1 Kings 4:20-1). ...

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