1 Kings 11:14

KJV

¶ And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he [was] of the king's seed in Edom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} stirred up {H6965} an adversary {H7854} unto Solomon {H8010}, Hadad {H1908} the Edomite {H130}: he was of the king's {H4428} seed {H2233} in Edom {H123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI raised up an adversary against Shlomo, Hadad the Edomi, of the royal line of Edom.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah raised up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king’s seed in Edom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 11:14 marks the commencement of divine judgment upon King Solomon, revealing God's active role in history as He raises an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, against the once-blessed monarch. This pivotal verse signals the erosion of Solomon's kingdom's peace and security, directly linking his profound apostasy—his turning away from the Lord to worship foreign gods—with its inevitable, divinely orchestrated consequences. It serves as a stark reminder that even the most privileged and prosperous individuals are not exempt from the Lord's righteous discipline when they violate His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Solomon's spiritual decline, which begins in [1 Kings 11:1](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1 - Solomon's Foreign Wives"). After a reign characterized by unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the Temple, the text details Solomon's fatal flaw: his multiplication of foreign wives who led his heart astray to idolatry. The preceding verses ([1 Kings 11:4-8](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4-8 - Solomon's Idolatry")) explicitly list his worship of pagan deities like Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech, a direct violation of God's commands for Israelite kings ([Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings for Kings")). Consequently, [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Anger and Judgment on Solomon") records God's anger and His declaration to tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand, though not entirely during his lifetime for the sake of David and Jerusalem. Verse 14 introduces Hadad, the first of three adversaries (the others being Rezon in [1 Kings 11:23](/1_kings/11-23 "1 Kings 11:23 - Rezon of Zobah") and Jeroboam in [1 Kings 11:26](/1_kings/11-26 "1 Kings 11:26 - Jeroboam's Rebellion")) who embody this divine judgment, setting the stage for the eventual division of the kingdom after Solomon's death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hadad the Edomite's story is rooted in the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East. Edom, a long-standing rival of Israel, had been subjugated by King David ([2 Samuel 8:13-14](/2_samuel/8-13 "2 Samuel 8:13-14 - David Conquers Edom")). Hadad, of royal Edomite lineage, had escaped David's conquest as a child, fleeing to Egypt where he found refuge and even married into Pharaoh's family ([1 Kings 11:17-19](/1_kings/11-17 "1 Kings 11:17-19 - Hadad's Escape to Egypt")). His return to Edom after David and Joab's deaths (implied by [1 Kings 11:21-22](/1_kings/11-21 "1 Kings 11:21-22 - Hadad's Return")) indicates a desire to reclaim his ancestral throne and challenge Israelite dominance. The concept of a deity "stirring up" or "raising up" an adversary was a common motif in ancient Near Eastern literature, but in the biblical context, it underscores Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over nations and kings, using even foreign powers as instruments of His justice and covenant enforcement.
* **Key Themes:** The introduction of Hadad powerfully reinforces several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** is paramount, as the text explicitly states "the LORD stirred up an adversary." This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His control over the rise and fall of nations and individuals, even using external threats to execute His righteous judgment against His disobedient people. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**. Solomon's apostasy directly led to the erosion of the unprecedented peace and security that characterized his early reign. The appearance of Hadad signifies that even the most powerful and blessed individuals are not exempt from the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), serving as a stark reminder that rejecting God's covenant inevitably leads to negative repercussions. Finally, it illustrates **God's Faithfulness to His Word**. Just as God was faithful to bless Solomon for his initial obedience, He is equally faithful to bring about the promised consequences for his disobedience, thereby upholding His character and the integrity of His revealed will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stirred up (Hebrew, _yaqem'_):** The verb יָקֶם (*yaqem*), from the root קוּם (*qum*), means "to rise," "to stand up," or "to establish." In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it means "to cause to rise," "to raise up," or "to stir up." This choice of verb emphasizes divine agency; it is not merely that an adversary *emerged*, but that the Lord *actively caused* or *orchestrated* Hadad's rise. This highlights God's sovereign control over historical events and His direct involvement in executing judgment.
* **Adversary (Hebrew, _satan'_):** The Hebrew word שָׂטָן (*satan*) is a common noun meaning "opponent," "adversary," or "accuser." While famously used as a proper noun for the spiritual entity Satan, in this context, it refers to a human foe. The text clarifies that this *satan* is "Hadad the Edomite." This usage demonstrates that God can raise up human opponents to fulfill His purposes, whether for discipline, testing, or judgment, without implying any moral alignment with the adversary's own intentions.
* **King's seed (Hebrew, _mizera' hammelekh'_):** This phrase, literally "from the seed of the king," indicates Hadad's royal lineage. This detail is significant because it means Hadad had a legitimate claim to the throne of Edom, making him a formidable and politically dangerous adversary. His royal background, combined with his refuge in Egypt and marriage into Pharaoh's family, gave him the standing and resources to challenge Solomon's authority and destabilize Israel's southern border.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine initiative. The Lord, not merely external circumstances or Hadad's ambition, is the primary agent behind this opposition. This is a direct consequence of Solomon's idolatry and disobedience, as declared by God in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Anger and Judgment"). God's "stirring up" is an act of righteous judgment, demonstrating His active governance over His covenant people and their leaders.
* **"Hadad the Edomite":** This identifies the specific individual God raised up. Hadad is not a generic foe but a named historical figure with a personal grievance against Israel due to David's conquest of Edom. His ethnic identity as an Edomite, a long-standing rival and descendant of Esau, adds historical depth and underscores the ongoing tension between Israel and its neighbors.
* **"he [was] of the king's seed in Edom":** This final clause provides crucial information about Hadad's status and potential. His royal lineage meant he was not a mere bandit or rebel but a contender for the throne of Edom, capable of rallying support and posing a significant threat to Solomon's kingdom. This detail emphasizes the seriousness of the adversary and the extent of God's orchestrated judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Retribution** is central, as God directly intervenes to punish Solomon's apostasy, turning the peace of his reign into a period of conflict. The explicit statement "the LORD stirred up an adversary" leaves no ambiguity about the source of this judgment. **Foreshadowing** is also evident; Hadad's emergence is the first crack in the façade of Solomon's prosperous kingdom, hinting at the greater division and decline that will follow his death, as prophesied by Ahijah ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). There is a strong element of **Irony**: Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and the peace (Hebrew: *shalom*) of his reign, is now confronted by a *satan* (adversary), a direct consequence of his foolish choices. Finally, the narrative uses **Metonymy**, where Solomon's personal actions and the adversaries raised against him represent the broader fate of the kingdom, which will ultimately be torn from his dynasty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The raising of Hadad as an adversary to Solomon is a profound theological statement about God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores the principle that divine blessings are conditional upon obedience, and disobedience inevitably incurs divine discipline. God's sovereignty is paramount, as He actively orchestrates events, even using human adversaries, to fulfill His righteous purposes and uphold His covenant promises and warnings. This demonstrates that God is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in history, ensuring that His word, whether of blessing or judgment, is fulfilled. Solomon's fall reminds us that no amount of wisdom, wealth, or spiritual privilege can exempt one from the consequences of turning away from the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Judges 2:14-15](/judges/2-14 "Judges 2:14-15 - God Raises Adversaries in Judges")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When the Lord Delights in a Man's Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Solomon's decline, culminating in God's raising of adversaries, offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and the insidious dangers of compromise, especially when one is at the height of success or prosperity. Solomon, who began with such promise and divine favor, allowed his heart to be led astray by worldly desires and foreign influences, demonstrating that even great spiritual achievements do not guarantee continued faithfulness. This story compels us to remain vigilant, to guard our hearts, and to prioritize unreserved obedience to God's commands above all else, recognizing that true security and lasting peace come only from a wholehearted devotion to Him. Sometimes, the difficulties and adversaries we face in life, whether personal or collective, might be God's way of drawing us back to Himself, refining our character, or fulfilling His sovereign purposes, much as Hadad was an instrument in God's hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might prosperity or comfort be leading to spiritual complacency or compromise?**
* **How does Solomon's story challenge my understanding of God's justice and His active involvement in the consequences of our choices?**
* **When faced with adversity, how can I discern if it is a consequence of my own disobedience, a test of my faith, or part of God's larger sovereign plan?**

### FAQ
**Why did God "stir up" an adversary? Does this mean God causes evil?**

Answer: The text explicitly states that "the LORD stirred up an adversary" as a direct act of divine judgment against Solomon's profound apostasy and idolatry ([1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Anger and Warning to Solomon")). This does not imply that God causes evil in the sense of originating sin or moral corruption. Rather, it signifies God's sovereign control over all things, including the actions of human agents, to bring about His righteous purposes. In this case, Hadad's ambition and historical grievance were already present, but God orchestrated the circumstances to allow Hadad to become an effective instrument of divine discipline. It's an act of justice, demonstrating that God holds even kings accountable to His covenant.

**Who was Hadad the Edomite, and why was he a threat?**

Answer: Hadad was a member of the royal family of Edom, a kingdom that had been conquered and subjugated by King David ([2 Samuel 8:13-14](/2_samuel/8-13 "2 Samuel 8:13-14 - David Conquers Edom")). As a child, Hadad escaped David's massacre of the Edomite male population and fled to Egypt, where he was given refuge by Pharaoh and even married Pharaoh's sister-in-law ([1 Kings 11:17-19](/1_kings/11-17 "1 Kings 11:17-19 - Hadad's Escape to Egypt")). His royal lineage gave him a legitimate claim to the Edomite throne, and his ties to Egypt provided him with political and military backing. He was a threat because he sought to reclaim his ancestral kingdom and destabilize Israel's control over Edom, which was strategically important for trade routes and resources. His re-emergence marked the first significant external challenge to Solomon's once-unquestioned authority and peace.

**Is this an act of grace or judgment?**

Answer: Primarily, the raising of Hadad is an act of **judgment** against Solomon's disobedience and idolatry. God had warned Solomon repeatedly, and this is the direct consequence of his turning away from the Lord. However, within this judgment, there is an element of **grace**, specifically related to God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant. God promised David that He would not completely remove His steadfast love from his descendants, even if they sinned ([2 Samuel 7:14-15](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14-15 - God's Promise to David")). Thus, while the kingdom is torn from Solomon's hand, it is not entirely removed during his lifetime, and a remnant is preserved for the sake of David and Jerusalem ([1 Kings 11:12-13](/1_kings/11-12 "1 Kings 11:12-13 - God's Promise to Preserve a Remnant")). The judgment serves as a corrective, aiming to bring about repentance, even if Solomon himself did not fully turn back.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Solomon's fall and the raising of adversaries like Hadad powerfully foreshadows the need for a perfect King, one who would never stray from God's commands. Solomon, despite his initial wisdom and divinely granted peace, ultimately failed to uphold the covenant, leading to division and conflict. This broken kingship points directly to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who fulfills the ideal kingship that Solomon could not. Unlike Solomon, who multiplied foreign wives and turned to idolatry, Jesus remained perfectly obedient to the Father in all things ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")). Where Solomon's reign ended in adversaries and a divided kingdom, Christ's kingdom is eternal, undivided, and will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Jesus is the ultimate "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), who not only brings an end to all spiritual adversaries through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), but also offers a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing a path to reconciliation with God that Solomon's disobedience could only mar. Ultimately, Christ, not Solomon, is the King who perfectly embodies God's wisdom, establishes lasting peace, and reigns eternally over a kingdom that will never be torn apart by adversaries.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.