The United Kingdom
Beginning with the reign of Saul, the united kingdom was continued under David and Solomon. In some respects, Saul was an able ruler and a competent warrior who spent much of his time battling the Philistines. His military successes won for him the praises and admiration of the people. He was not an arbitrary ruler but one who tried to follow the charismatic directions that had been in vogue during the period of the judges. During the latter part of his reign, he was subject to prolonged periods of melancholy, which he interpreted to mean that Yahweh no longer communicated with him. He was rebuked by the prophet Samuel for the way in which he conducted the war against the Amalekites, and his career ended in disaster when he died on the hills of Gilboa in the midst of conflict with the Philistines.
David's reign marks the high point in the history of the united kingdom. David was idealized by later generations as Israel's greatest king, and excuses were made for the unfortunate things that happened while he was king. Nevertheless, he was a great king who accomplished much for the nation he served, including successfully uniting the northern and southern tribes under one centralized government, with its headquarters at Jerusalem. His plans for the building of the Temple were carried out after his son Solomon ascended the throne. David's reign was not altogether peaceful, for it was marred by external conflict and internal dissension and revolt. In spite of these difficulties, however, the nation grew and prospered. Centuries later, no higher compliment could be bestowed on an Israelite king than to say he was like King David.
Solomon, too, was idealized by later generations but not in the same way as his father, David. Solomon's greatest accomplishment was the building of the Temple at Jerusalem. In order to extend the power and influence of Israel among surrounding nations, Solomon contracted a number of foreign marriages. The wives whom he brought to Jerusalem were permitted to worship their native gods, and thus idolatry was introduced and encouraged alongside the worship of Yahweh. Solomon's building operations were made possible by heavy taxation, along with other burdens that the people were forced to bear. Solomon was so strongly resented that when the question of who should succeed him on the throne was raised, people inquired of Solomon's son Rehoboam about his attitude concerning the oppressive measures of his father. When Rehoboam replied that he would not only continue these policies but would be even more severe, ten of the tribes revolted and set up a new government of their own.
