I Kings 9: Israel's Emergence

During the reign of Solomon, Israel begins to emerge as a regional power.  Up until this time, they had been preoccupied with local threats - pacifying Canaan, the challenge of the Philistines, conquering Jerusalem from the Jebusites, etc.  Now they are established as the rulers of the land, subjugating the other people groups (vs. 20-21) and forming alliances by treaty and marriage with other major powers such as Tyre and Egypt.  Still, this new prestige and prosperity comes with a familiar warning: as long as the people adhere to their covenant with the Lord, He will bless them (vs. 4-5).  But if they turn their back to God, He will turn His back to them (vs. 6-7)!