An Evaluation of the Reliability of 1 Kings 4:21 and 24 as a Historical Witness to Solomon’s Empire

According to the Old Testament of the Bible, it was David, the second anointed king of Israel, who pursued an offensive military strategy for expansion of the frontiers of his kingdom prior to handing it over to his son Solomon, who consolidated his gains. No major gains in new territory occurred during the reign of Solomon who is known as the wise king of Israel who pursued a civil construction program and tried to improve the material lot of the Israelites at a time of peace. 1 Kings 4:21 and 24 present an idea about the extent of the kingdom that Solomon had inherited from David. This brief essay presents a discussion about the reliability of 1 Kings 4:21 and 24 as a historical witness to Solomon’s empire.