(fl. 10th cent BCE)
King of Israel (965-931 BCE), son of David and Bathsheba. He became king before his father's death, through the influence of BatheshebaandNathan.whopromotedhisaccession to the throne in place of Adonijah, his elder brother. Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, constructed fortresses, store cities and chariot cities, and built a harbour at Elath; he also made administrative innovations, including the division of the country into 12 districts. The biblical books Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes are attributed to him. According to the Bible, he was known for his wisdom.
Dictionary of Jewish Biography. Dan Cohn-Sherbok.