The Deuteronomistic Critique of Solomon: A Response to Marvin A. Sweeney

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The portrayal of Solomon in the Deuteronomistic History (DtrH) has occasioned much scholarly attention owing to the tantalizing ambivalence surrounding Solomon's image and the attendant ramifications for the composition of DtrH. In a recent article in this journal, Marvin A. Sweeney has provided a useful outline of the problem, focusing on the apparent discrepancy between Solomon's roles as first heir to the Davidic dynasty, wisest of all kings and founder of the Temple, on the one hand, and a sinner who is held responsible for the division of the united kingdom, on the other hand.1 Before offering his own solution, Sweeney briefly refers to two alternative lines of reasoning on the …