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Abstract
This dissertation presents a comparison of the effects of colonization in Nigeria to the effects of Solomon’s administration narrated in 1 Kings. Beginning with the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, the country now known as Nigeria endured partitions and policies which led to the development of some areas over others, and inevitably resulted in the Civil War of 1967-1970. Similarly, Solomonic policies contributed to a schism between Israel and Judah, leading to a schism and violent reactions. While 1 Kings 4:20 presents a positive perspective of Israel and Judah under Solomon, this dissertation uses the similarities with colonial Nigeria to present a postcolonial reading of Solomon’s policies, and highlight the negative impact of Solomon’s rule. The order is as follows:
Chapter I provides theories and methods within the study of Religion that are relevant to a postcolonial reading of King Solomon.
Chapter II outlines the events and international relations which served as the backdrop leading up to the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference. This chapter highlights the colonial interests of European nations, the purpose for a conference, and the outcome of the Berlin Conference.
Chapter III moves into the impact of the Berlin Conference on Nigeria. This chapter is a detailed discussion about how the British transformed this land and these peoples into one nation. It covers the history from prior to colonization (before 1861) to the Nigerian Civil War 1967-1970 (also known as the Biafra War) and details how the economic, geographic, and social effects of colonization caused the 1967-1970 war.
Chapter IV dives into how scholars have spoken about the dating and reasoning behind Solomon’s district lists. Following a summary of earlier scholarship (pre-1980s) this chapter highlights the usefulness of settlement surveys in determining the date of Solomon’s administrative list in 1 Kings 4:7-19.
Chapter V demonstrates three negative impacts of colonial policy in Nigeria, and highlights how those same impacts are evident in Solomon’s narrative. From a postcolonial perspective, this chapter suggests how one should view the gravity of King Solomon’s reign.
Chapter II outlines the events and international relations which served as the backdrop leading up to the 1884-1885 Berlin Conference. This chapter highlights the colonial interests of European nations, the purpose for a conference, and the outcome of the Berlin Conference.
Chapter III moves into the impact of the Berlin Conference on Nigeria. This chapter is a detailed discussion about how the British transformed this land and these peoples into one nation. It covers the history from prior to colonization (before 1861) to the Nigerian Civil War 1967-1970 (also known as the Biafra War) and details how the economic, geographic, and social effects of colonization caused the 1967-1970 war.
Chapter IV dives into how scholars have spoken about the dating and reasoning behind Solomon’s district lists. Following a summary of earlier scholarship (pre-1980s) this chapter highlights the usefulness of settlement surveys in determining the date of Solomon’s administrative list in 1 Kings 4:7-19.
Chapter V demonstrates three negative impacts of colonial policy in Nigeria, and highlights how those same impacts are evident in Solomon’s narrative. From a postcolonial perspective, this chapter suggests how one should view the gravity of King Solomon’s reign.