Age 6 of 14
The United Monarchy
c. 1051–931 BC
Dating: Thiele chronology (David and Solomon); Saul approximate
Relevance
God established kingship in Israel (; ). He made a covenant with David promising that his house, kingdom, and throne would be established for ever (). Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem (; ). The New Testament identifies Jesus as the son of David (; ).
Key events
c. 1051 BC
Saul anointed king
Samuel anoints Saul to be captain over the LORD's inheritance ().
c. 1011 BC
David king over Judah in Hebron
The men of Judah anoint David king; he reigns in Hebron seven years and six months (; ).
c. 1004 BC
David takes Jerusalem
David takes the stronghold of Zion, the city of David ().
c. 966 BC
Temple construction begins
In the 480th year after the Exodus, in Solomon's fourth year, he began to build the house of the LORD ().
Dating views (no position taken)
Early Exodus view: Exodus c. 1446 BC — (480 years before Solomon's 4th year, c. 966 BC)
Late Exodus view: Exodus c. 1270–1260 BC — (city of Raamses) with Egyptian 19th-dynasty chronology; interprets the 480 years non-literally
c. 959 BC
Temple dedicated
The temple is finished in seven years (); the glory of the LORD fills the house ().
Reign of David
The covenant with David
The LORD promises David: "thy throne shall be established for ever" ().
Reign of David
The ark brought to Jerusalem
David brings up the ark of God into the city of David ().
Date not stated
David anointed by Samuel
Samuel anoints David in the midst of his brethren ().
Kings
Dates: Thiele chronology
| King | Reign | Length per Scripture | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saul | c. 1051–1011 BC | 40 years () | — |
| David | c. 1011–971 BC | 40 years: 7 years in Hebron, 33 in Jerusalem () | "a man after his own heart" (); "did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD" () |
| Solomon | c. 971–931 BC | 40 years () | "did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father" () |
Rulers and empires
Prophets
Books written during or about this period
1 Samuel · 2 Samuel · 1 Kings (ch. 1–11) · 1 Chronicles (ch. 10–29) · 2 Chronicles (ch. 1–9) · Psalms (portions attributed to David) · Proverbs (portions attributed to Solomon) · Ecclesiastes · Song of Solomon