THE AFRICAN WIFE OF SOLOMON (1 KINGS 3:1; 9:16; 7:8; 11:1)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/1013-8471/2769Abstract
Both the Deuteronomist and the Chronicler repeatedly testify that Solomon married an African woman who was the daughter of Pharaoh. The fact that Pharaoh‟s daughter was singled out in this manner is significant as similar treatment was not given to his many other wives and concubines. In the African polygamous system, the first wife exercises enormous power over the husband and other wives. In keeping with the tradition, as chief wife Pharaoh‟s daughter would have had immense influence over Solomon. This pervasive influence can be seen in the economic, political, and administrative policies of the day, as well as in the prohibition on Solomon marrying an Israelite woman. Although Solomon‟s African wife is nameless in the biblical record, and both Solomon and his wife are unattested in the archaeological record, the marriage represents an aspect of African influence on and contribution to ancient Israel.Metrics
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