United Kingdom Also called the United Monarchy. Refers to the period of Israel’s history when the tribes of Israel were united under a single king (ca. mid 11th century to late 10th century bc). The period of the judges ended and the monarchy began when God allowed Samuel to acquiesce to the people’s demand for a king like the other nations (1 Sam 8:1–22). The various estimates for the beginning and end of this period range from 1051 bc to 922 bc. Saul, son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, was Israel’s first king (1 Sam 10:1). The length of his reign is debated due to textual issues with 1 Sam 13:1 where the numbers indicating Saul’s age and the length of his reign have dropped out of the text. Saul probably reigned at least 22 years and possibly as long as 42 years. David likely became king over Judah around 1010 bc and then king over all Israel in 1003. David reigned for 40 years (1 Kgs 2:11) and was succeeded by his son Solomon around 970 bc. Solomon also reigned for 40 years (1 Kgs 11:42), placing the end of his reign around 930 bc.