(peaceful). Last of David’s sons by Bathsheba. Named Jedidiah, “beloved of God,” by Nathan (1 Chron. 3:5; 2 Sam. 12:25). Placed in Nathan’s care. Secured the throne according to David’s pledge (1 Kings 1:13-53), and much to the consternation of Adonijah, the legal successor. Reigned forty years, B. C. 1015-975. Confirmed his father’s conquests, built the palace and temple, extended commerce, contracted favorable alliances, grew famous for wisdom, raised his kingdom to great wealth, splendor, and power, mingled justice with cruelty, endorsed true and false worship, encouraged literature, and wrote largely himself, fell a prey to the sensibilities of his time and position, died leaving his kingdom under the eclipse of faction and on the edge of decay (1 Kings 2-11; 2 Chron. 1-9).