I Kings 4: The Golden Age Of Israel

Everyone likes to reminisce about "the good ol' days."  In Israel's case, the era of Solomon's reign is fondly remembered as the golden age of national history.

You can see a lot of evidence for experiencing a peak time of peace and prosperity in I Kings 4.  After hearing of Solomon's administration and officers, we find these scriptural nuggets:

• "Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea; they ate and drank and were happy" (vs. 20).

• "Solomon was sovereign over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, even to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of  his life" (vs. 21).

• "...he had peace on all sides" ( vs. 24).

• "During Solomon's lifetime Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all of them under their vines and fig trees" (vs. 25).

• "People came from all the nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon; they came from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom" (vs. 34).

After the military conquests of David, the "golden age" of Israel under Solomon was marked by the peaceful wisdom of the king during a time of plenty.  His unparalleled wisdom in composing proverbs, songs, and parables is described in verses 29-33.