Who was the last king to rule a united Israel?

The last king to rule a united Israel was Solomon. Following Solomon's reign, the kingdom faced significant division due to internal strife and external pressures. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, was the son of David and is credited with building the First Temple in Jerusalem, which was a monumental achievement for the nation.

His reign marked the height of Israel's power and prosperity, and it is during this time that Israel reached its greatest territorial extent. After Solomon's death, the kingdom was divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, which was ruled by his son Rehoboam. This division fundamentally altered the course of Israel's history, leading to different spiritual and political trajectories for the two kingdoms.

Understanding Solomon's significance helps clarify the context of Israel's eventual split and highlights the importance of his reign in the narrative of the Old Testament.