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Solomon, King of Israel (10th century BC), was the second son of Uriah's wife, Bathsheba, whom his father, David, had taken as his wife. He reigned in Israel between 970 and 931 BC. and he was known and respected for being a wise, just and powerful king. He raised the Israelite monarchy to the highest level of prosperity, built the temple of Jerusalem, walled this city and cultivated the arts and sciences.
He is credited with being the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes, the Book of Proverbs and the Song of Songs, all of which are included in the Bible, and he is the protagonist of many later legends, as well as being one of the masters of the Kabbalah.
One night God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and said, Ask me whatever you want! Solomon replied, “I am too young to be king over this great people of yours. Give me a wise heart to know how to govern your people and to distinguish between good and evil."
Lit pleased God that Solomon asked for wisdom to rule instead of asking for a lot of money or fame. He told her, “Because you asked me for this, I am going to give you what you asked for. Furthermore, I am going to give you what you did not ask for: I give you riches and honor so that there will be no other king like you, all the days of your life.”
Relates the story that a trial took place in which two women disputed the motherhood of a baby and King Solomon, to find out which of them was the real one, gave his sword to a soldier and ordered him to cut the child in two, to give half to each one. The real mother then begged the king not to kill the child and give him to the other woman.
With this test Solomon immediately discovers which of the two was lying, showing his wisdom and justice.
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