Ep 6. King Solomon

The Mysteries Of The Bible season 2 episode 6, titled King Solomon, delves into the life and legend of one of the most celebrated kings in Israel's history. King Solomon is known for his wisdom, wealth, and political prowess. However, there are contradictory accounts of his reign, and this episode explores the mystery behind some of the Bible's most well-known stories about him.

The episode begins by examining the historical context of Solomon's reign. We learn about the division of the Israelite kingdom after the death of King David, and how Solomon came to consolidate power and establish a new capital in Jerusalem. This lays the foundation for the discussion of Solomon's wealth and legendary wisdom. The episode explores the sources of Solomon's wealth, including the tribute paid to him by neighboring kingdoms and his lucrative trade in exotic goods like gold, ivory, and spices. Meanwhile, Solomon's supposed wisdom is illustrated by the story of the two women who brought a baby to him, each claiming it was hers. Solomon's solution, to offer to cut the baby in half and give each woman a piece, revealed his cunning and discernment.

The episode then moves on to examine the more controversial aspects of Solomon's story. For example, his many wives and concubines are a well-known part of his legend, but the Bible also suggests that these marriages led to his downfall. Solomon is said to have taken hundreds of wives from foreign kingdoms, many of whom worshiped other gods. The episode explores the tension between Solomon's devotion to Yahweh and his wives' pagan beliefs, as well as the potential political motivations behind these marriages.

Similarly, the episode looks at the story of Solomon building the temple in Jerusalem as a controversial aspect of his reign. The temple was a magnificent structure, but its construction required labor from thousands of Israelites and foreign slaves. The episode examines the ethical implications of forced labor and the potential exploitation of Solomon's subjects.

Finally, the episode examines the legacy of King Solomon. Despite his many accomplishments, there are also stories of his decline in old age and the eventual division of Israel after his death. The episode explores whether these stories are based in fact or legend, and what they might suggest about Solomon's leadership.

Overall, the Mysteries Of The Bible season 2 episode 6 offers a comprehensive and balanced look at one of the most famous figures in the Bible. Through a combination of historical context, biblical analysis, and archaeological evidence, the episode seeks to unravel the mystery behind some of the most enduring stories about King Solomon.