The Tanakh Podcast

Our chapter describes the way that Solomon develops the Kingdom of Israel to an imperial capital.
Solomon controls the region, has the most powerful army, and warm relations with neighboring leaders like Hiram of Lebanon. He also begins the construction of the temple. But above all, Solomon turns Jerusalem to a center of world wisdom and technology.
What is the purpose of all these achievements? Why is this critical to Solomon's game plan?

On the face of it, this is a chapter about government and taxation, the organization and administration of the kingdom and its financial bouyancy.
But a deeper read identifies some riveting social history behind the bare statistics, which will have ominous effect a generation on.

Solomon loves God. When God asks Solomon what his deepest wish might be, it is the ability to guide and judge the nation.
"Tzedek and Mishpat" is possibly Judaism's core value, and the principle of justice is the highest virtue to which a king of Israel could aspire.

David instructs Solomon to ensure that both Yoav and also Shimi Ben Gera die a bloody death. 
Is David casting his unfinished business on Solomon? 
We contend that David is in fact warning a young an untested Solomon that enemies are waiting, plotting his downfall after King David's death. He instructs him to "be strong and be a man" or else, he will soon find the throne taken from him.

Chapter 1  gives us a conmpetition to succeed King David. Who will be king - Adoniya or Solomon?