Which of these statements best describes solomon's rule of king as israel?
a.) his military operations secured the borders of israel
b.) he united the 12 separate tribes of israel
c.) his diplomacy aimed to increase israel's regional influence
d.) he fought off the invading assyrian armies

Choice D is incorrect; the Assyrian armies did not invade/conquer the northern Kingdom of Israel (Israel had, by then, been divided) until around 200 years after King Solomon's death. Choice B indicates that King Solomon united the 12 separate tribes of Israel, but actually, shortly after his death, the whole kingdom divided along tribal lines, with ten tribes becoming the Kingdom of Israel when they refused to accept his son Rehoboam as king as split off to be ruled by Jeroboam, and the other two became the Kingdom of Judah under Rehoboam. The two remained divided. Because this happened so immediately after Solomon's rule, it cannot be said that he united the 12 tribes of Israel; indeed, Biblical accounts emphasize that Solomon's sins were responsible for this fragmentation (1 Kings 11:30-34). Choice A is more plausible, as some archaeological evidence does support that Solomon built fortresses along Israel's southern border to protect against Egypt and Edom, but I'm not sure that military prowess had much to do with this, and in any case, Solomon is much better remembered for other traits related to wisdom and diplomacy, Choice C. He increased Israel's prestige around the region by using his great wealth to build temple(s) and palace(s) and fortified cities; he built up trade with King Hiram of Tyre (perhaps at a loss?) and expanded commerce and industry; he even impressed the Queen of Sheba and earned a regal visit from her. Choice C should be the best one here.