Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. Then the LORDThis phrase signifies the direct intervention of God in the affairs of men. In the Hebrew text, "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. The use of "Then" indicates a consequential action, following Solomon's disobedience and idolatry, as described earlier in the chapter. It serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in the unfolding of history, especially in response to the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of His people. raised up
The Hebrew word used here is "קָם" (qam), which means to establish or to set up. This implies that God is the one who empowers and allows adversaries to rise, serving His divine purposes. It reflects the biblical theme that God can use even opposition to fulfill His will, as seen throughout the Scriptures. This action is not arbitrary but is a response to Solomon's turning away from God. against Solomon
Solomon, the son of David, was known for his wisdom and wealth, yet his heart turned away from God due to his marriages to foreign women and subsequent idolatry. The phrase "against Solomon" indicates a direct consequence of his actions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and the inevitable divine discipline that follows. an adversary
The Hebrew word "שָׂטָן" (satan) is used here, which means adversary or opponent. This is not necessarily a reference to Satan as a personal being but rather to any opponent or obstacle. In this context, it highlights the role of Hadad as a divinely appointed instrument of correction for Solomon. It underscores the biblical principle that God can use various means to bring His people back to Himself. Hadad the Edomite
Hadad was a member of the Edomite royal family. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and had a long history of enmity with Israel. The mention of Hadad's Edomite heritage is significant, as it recalls the ancient hostilities between the two nations. This historical context adds depth to the narrative, showing how old rivalries can resurface as part of God's disciplinary measures. from the royal line of Edom
This phrase emphasizes Hadad's noble lineage, indicating that he was not just any adversary but one with a legitimate claim to leadership and influence. The royal line of Edom suggests a certain level of power and resources at Hadad's disposal, making him a formidable opponent. This detail highlights the seriousness of the threat against Solomon and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of straying from God's commandments. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity, but also by his eventual turning away from God due to foreign influences and idolatry. 2. Hadad the EdomiteAn adversary raised by God against Solomon. He was from the royal line of Edom, a nation historically in conflict with Israel. Hadad fled to Egypt as a child when David and Joab destroyed Edom, and he returned to be a thorn in Solomon's side. 3. EdomA nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, often characterized by hostility and conflict. 4. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who actively intervenes in the affairs of nations and individuals, raising adversaries against Solomon as a consequence of his disobedience. 5. EgyptThe place where Hadad found refuge and support before returning to Edom. Egypt often served as a place of refuge or threat in Israel's history. Teaching Points Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's turning away from God led to the rise of adversaries. Disobedience to God can lead to turmoil and conflict in our lives. God's SovereigntyGod is in control of history and can raise up individuals or nations to accomplish His purposes, even using adversaries to bring about His will. Historical EnmityThe conflict between Israel and Edom is a reminder of the long-standing enmity that can exist between nations or individuals, often rooted in historical grievances. Seeking RefugeLike Hadad in Egypt, people often seek refuge in times of trouble. However, true refuge and security are found in God alone. Repentance and RestorationDespite Solomon's failures, God's promises to David remained. This highlights the importance of repentance and God's faithfulness to His covenant. Bible Study Questions 1. What were the specific actions or decisions that led to God raising adversaries against Solomon, and how can we avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives? 2. How does the historical enmity between Israel and Edom reflect the broader theme of conflict and reconciliation in the Bible? 3. In what ways does God's sovereignty manifest in the rise and fall of leaders and nations today, and how should this influence our perspective on current events? 4. How can we find true refuge and security in God, especially when facing adversaries or challenges in our lives? 5. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's life about the importance of faithfulness to God, and how can we apply these lessons to maintain our spiritual integrity? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:9-13These verses provide context for why God raised adversaries against Solomon, highlighting Solomon's disobedience and idolatry. Genesis 25:23This verse speaks of the struggle between Jacob and Esau, the ancestors of Israel and Edom, respectively, setting the stage for ongoing conflict. 2 Samuel 8:13-14Describes David's victories over Edom, which led to Hadad's initial flight to Egypt. Exodus 9:16Illustrates God's sovereignty in raising up individuals or nations to fulfill His purposes, similar to how He raised Hadad against Solomon. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Adversary, Edom, Edomite, E'domite, Hadad, King's, Line, Raised, Raiseth, Royal, Seed, Solomon, Stirred, TroubleDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:14 5814 confrontation
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 1 Kings 11:14-26 7236 Israel, united kingdom Library The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:14 NIV1 Kings 11:14 NLT1 Kings 11:14 ESV1 Kings 11:14 NASB1 Kings 11:14 KJV
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