1 Kings 11:14

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Kings 11:14 marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Solomon, signaling the beginning of divine judgment against him. After a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity, this verse introduces the first of several adversaries God raises against Solomon, directly linking his actions to their consequences.

Context

Solomon's reign began with immense promise, marked by wisdom, wealth, and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. However, as detailed earlier in 1 Kings chapter 11, Solomon gradually turned away from the Lord. He multiplied foreign wives, who in turn led his heart astray to worship their gods and goddesses (e.g., Ashtoreth, Chemosh, Molech). This blatant disobedience violated God's explicit commands given to Israel and to kings (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). Consequently, the Lord became angry with Solomon and declared that He would tear the kingdom from his hand, though not entirely during Solomon's lifetime for the sake of David and Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:11-13). Verse 14 introduces the first physical manifestation of this divine displeasure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse clearly states that "the LORD stirred up an adversary." This highlights God's active role in history, demonstrating His control even over the rise of opponents. He uses human agents to execute His righteous judgment when His people stray from His path.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Solomon's apostasy directly led to the erosion of the peace and security that characterized much of his reign. The appearance of Hadad signifies that even the most powerful and blessed individuals are not exempt from the consequences of rejecting God's covenant. This serves as a stark reminder of the covenant warnings in Deuteronomy.
  • 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. This underscores God's unwavering commitment to His character and His revealed will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "adversary" is satan (שָׂטָן). While this term is famously used for the spiritual entity Satan, in this context, it refers to a human 'opponent' or 'resister'. God "stirred up" or 'raised up' (Hebrew: יָקֶם, yaqem) a human foe named Hadad, indicating that this opposition was divinely orchestrated as a form of discipline for Solomon's idolatry.

Practical Application

The narrative of Solomon's decline and God's response offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Danger of Complacency: Even after great spiritual achievements and blessings, it is crucial to remain vigilant in one's walk with God. Prosperity can sometimes lead to spiritual apathy and compromise.
  • Obedience is Paramount: God's commands are not arbitrary; they are for our good. Disregarding them, even when seemingly successful, inevitably leads to negative consequences, whether personal or corporate.
  • God Uses Adversity: Sometimes, God allows or even orchestrates difficulties in our lives to draw us back to Him, to correct our path, or to fulfill His larger purposes. Understanding this can help us find meaning and growth even in challenging circumstances.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 10:26 (2 votes)

    And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and [as] his rod [was] upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.

  • Psalms 89:30 (2 votes)

    If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

  • Psalms 89:34 (2 votes)

    My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

  • 2 Samuel 24:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:26 (2 votes)

    And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

  • Isaiah 13:17 (2 votes)

    Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.

  • 1 Samuel 26:19 (2 votes)

    Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if [they be] the children of men, cursed [be] they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.