In the latter part of King Solomon's reign, the Bible records that the LORD raised up adversaries against him as a consequence of his turning away from God. Solomon, known for his wisdom and the prosperity of his kingdom, fell into idolatry by accommodating the religious practices of his foreign wives, which led to his spiritual decline. This disobedience prompted divine retribution, manifesting in the form of adversaries who challenged his rule and the peace of Israel.

Hadad the Edomite

The first adversary mentioned is Hadad the Edomite. Hadad was of royal descent in Edom and had fled to Egypt as a child when Joab, the commander of David's army, executed a campaign against Edom. During Solomon's reign, Hadad returned to Edom and became a thorn in Solomon's side. The Bible states, "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom" (1 Kings 11:14). Hadad's animosity towards Israel was deeply rooted in the past conflicts between Edom and Israel, and his return signified a resurgence of hostilities.

Rezon son of Eliada

Another adversary was Rezon son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah. Rezon gathered a band of men and became the leader of a marauding band, eventually establishing himself as king in Damascus. His presence and activities were a constant threat to Solomon's northern borders. The scripture notes, "God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer king of Zobah" (1 Kings 11:23). Rezon's opposition further destabilized the region and challenged Solomon's authority.

Jeroboam son of Nebat

Perhaps the most significant adversary was Jeroboam son of Nebat, an Ephraimite and one of Solomon's officials. Jeroboam was industrious and had been put in charge of the labor force of the house of Joseph. However, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite prophesied that Jeroboam would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolized by the tearing of a new cloak into twelve pieces. This prophecy indicated the division of the kingdom due to Solomon's unfaithfulness. The Bible recounts, "So the LORD said to Solomon, 'Since you have done this and have not kept My covenant and statutes, which I commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant'" (1 Kings 11:11). Jeroboam's eventual rebellion and the subsequent division of the kingdom were direct results of Solomon's spiritual failings.

These adversaries, raised by the LORD, served as instruments of divine judgment against Solomon's apostasy. They highlight the biblical principle that disobedience to God's commandments can lead to the loss of divine favor and the rise of opposition. Solomon's adversaries were not merely political threats but were also symbolic of the spiritual and moral decline that had taken root in Israel under his reign.