1 Kings 5:4

KJV

But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, [so that there is] neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

KJV (with Strong's)

But now the LORD {H3068} my God {H430} hath given me rest {H5117} on every side {H5439}, so that there is neither adversary {H7854} nor evil {H7451} occurrent {H6294}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But now ADONAI my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor calamity.

Berean Standard Bible

But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis.

American Standard Version

But now Jehovah my God hath given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary, nor evil occurrence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon, in a pivotal communication with Hiram of Tyre, declares a divinely orchestrated era of profound peace and stability throughout his kingdom. This unprecedented tranquility, characterized by the complete absence of external enemies and internal disturbances, is presented as God's direct and comprehensive provision, establishing the ideal conditions for the long-anticipated and monumental construction of the Temple in Jerusalem—a sacred task previously unattainable by his father, David, due to constant warfare.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Solomon's diplomatic correspondence with Hiram, King of Tyre, as detailed in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Preparations for the Temple"). Solomon is articulating the providential circumstances that now enable him to undertake the immense project of building the Temple for the Lord. He explicitly contrasts his current situation with that of his father, David, who was prevented from completing this task due to continuous military conflicts, as Solomon himself recounts in [1 Kings 5:3](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3 - David's Wars Prevented Temple Building"). This declaration of comprehensive peace serves as a crucial narrative bridge, providing the theological and practical justification for the grand architectural endeavor detailed in subsequent chapters, particularly from [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Building of the Temple Begins") onward.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, traditionally dated from approximately 970 to 931 BC, is widely regarded as a "golden age" for ancient Israel, characterized by unparalleled prosperity, wisdom, and, significantly, a period of relative peace. Unlike the preceding era of King David, which was defined by relentless military campaigns to consolidate Israel's territory and subdue its surrounding adversaries, Solomon inherited a kingdom that was largely pacified and secure. The strategic alliance forged with Tyre, a formidable maritime power, was instrumental in this stability, providing not only access to vital resources like timber and skilled labor but also reinforcing regional geopolitical equilibrium. In the ancient Near East, a monarch's capacity to maintain peace and ensure the security of his realm was universally interpreted as a clear manifestation of divine favor and effective governance, thereby facilitating large-scale public works and fostering economic flourishing. The theological concept of "rest" (Hebrew: נוּחַ, _nuakh_) held profound significance, often signifying God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to bring His people into a secure inheritance, free from their enemies, a theme powerfully articulated in passages such as [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God Gives Israel Rest").
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4 - Solomon's Era of Peace") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, emphasizing that the peace Solomon enjoys is not merely a political achievement but a direct, active gift from "the LORD my God," demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of circumstances. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**, particularly the Davidic Covenant, where God explicitly promised David a successor who would build a permanent house for His name ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Covenant with David Regarding the Temple")). This era of peace is presented as the indispensable condition for the realization of that sacred promise. Thirdly, the verse illustrates **Peace as a Prerequisite for God's Work**, showing how a period of national stability allows God's people to concentrate their resources, energy, and attention on sacred undertakings without external or internal distractions. Finally, it speaks to **Israel's Prosperity and Security**, portraying a kingdom free from both external threats and internal strife, a state of comprehensive well-being further elaborated upon in [1 Kings 4:25](/1_kings/4-25 "1 Kings 4:25 - Peace and Prosperity Under Solomon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_ H5117):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to settle down," signifies far more than a mere cessation of hostilities. It denotes a profound state of tranquility, security, and settledness. In biblical theology, "rest" is frequently associated with God's completed work, such as the creation rest in [Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day"), and the fulfillment of His promises, especially concerning the land of Israel being free from its enemies. Here, it implies a divinely granted period of comprehensive peace and stability that enables the nation to focus its energies on sacred endeavors, specifically the construction of the Temple.
* **Adversary (Hebrew, _sâṭân'_ H7854):** From a root meaning "to oppose" or "to resist," this term, in this specific context, refers to any human or national opponent—whether military, political, or economic—that might threaten Israel's borders, challenge its authority, or disrupt its internal stability. It is not used here in the later theological sense of the demonic entity Satan, but rather denotes any external enemy or hostile power. Solomon's declaration signifies the absence of any active, significant threats challenging the security or sovereignty of his kingdom.
* **Occurrent (Hebrew, _pegaʻ'_ H6294):** This noun, meaning "impact (casual)," "chance," or "misfortune," is used in conjunction with the Hebrew word for "evil" (_raʻ_ H7451) to form the phrase "evil occurrent." Together, they refer to the absence of any harmful incident, calamity, internal rebellion, or disruptive misfortune that could hinder the kingdom's operations or, crucially, the Temple building project. This term speaks to comprehensive internal peace and well-being, complementing the external peace signified by the absence of an "adversary."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of Solomon's unprecedented peace. The phrase "the LORD my God hath given me" directly attributes the tranquility not to Solomon's diplomatic acumen or military might, but to God's sovereign and active provision. "Rest on every side" emphatically conveys the comprehensive nature of this peace, signifying that all borders are secure and internal affairs are stable, marking a period of unparalleled security and tranquility for the nation. This divinely bestowed rest is presented as the indispensable prerequisite for the Temple's construction.
* **"[so that there is] neither adversary nor evil occurrent":** This explanatory clause elaborates on the practical manifestation of the "rest." "Adversary" specifically refers to external military or political enemies, while "evil occurrent" denotes internal misfortunes, calamities, or rebellions. The combined absence of both external threats and internal disturbances signifies a state of complete national security and well-being. This comprehensive peace allows Israel to dedicate its resources, labor, and collective focus entirely to the sacred task of building the house for the Lord's name without distraction, interruption, or diversion of resources.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the unique nature of Solomon's reign. The phrase "rest on every side" coupled with "neither adversary nor evil occurrent" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary and comprehensive nature of the peace granted to Solomon. This rhetorical exaggeration serves to underscore the divine favor and the ideal conditions divinely established for the Temple's construction, even if minor challenges might have existed or arisen later in his reign. The explicit attribution "the LORD my God hath given me rest" is a clear example of **Divine Agency**, highlighting God's direct, active, and sovereign involvement in orchestrating the circumstances necessary for His will to be accomplished. Furthermore, the verse functions as a narrative **Foreshadowing**, powerfully setting the stage for the detailed accounts of the Temple's construction that immediately follow, indicating that the time is now divinely appointed and prepared for this monumental sacred project. Implicitly, it also creates a stark **Contrast** with the preceding reign of King David, which was characterized by constant warfare, thereby accentuating the unique tranquility and divine blessing of Solomon's era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The peace granted to Solomon in [1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4 - Solomon's Era of Peace") is a profound theological statement about God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. This divine "rest" is not merely a passive cessation of conflict but a proactive, sovereign provision by God to enable the fulfillment of His specific purposes—most notably, the building of His Temple. It powerfully demonstrates that God orchestrates circumstances, even the geopolitical landscape, to prepare the way for His people to carry out His divine will. This peace is presented as a profound blessing, a tangible sign of divine favor, and a strategic means to a greater end, showcasing how God provides the necessary conditions for significant spiritual undertakings. It echoes earlier promises of rest for Israel in the Promised Land and foreshadows a deeper, more enduring peace yet to come through the ultimate King.

* [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God Gives Israel Rest from All Their Enemies")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Promise to David's Descendant to Build the Temple")
* [Psalm 122:6-7](/psalm/122-6-7 "Psalm 122:6-7 - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and Prosperity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's experience in [1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4 - Solomon's Era of Peace") offers timeless and profound insights for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of recognition and appreciation for periods of peace, stability, and abundant provision in our own lives, understanding them not as mere coincidences or solely the result of our own efforts, but as direct, gracious gifts from God. These seasons of "rest on every side" are often God's strategic way of clearing the path, providing necessary resources, and creating the essential space for us to engage in significant spiritual work, pursue deep personal growth, or commit to acts of service that demand focused attention and dedicated effort. Just as the absence of adversaries and evil occurrents allowed ancient Israel to construct the physical Temple, our own spiritual and emotional peace can empower us to build up the "spiritual house" of our lives and ministries, as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House"). This verse profoundly encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereignty over our circumstances, knowing that He is capable of bringing about peace even in the most chaotic times, and to remain acutely attentive to how He might be preparing us for His specific purposes during moments of tranquility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you intentionally identify and acknowledge periods of "rest" or stability in your own life as direct gifts from God, rather than attributing them solely to good fortune or personal achievement?**
* **What significant spiritual "building projects," acts of service, or areas of personal growth might God be preparing you for during such times of peace and reduced external pressure?**
* **In what ways does cultivating trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, even amidst current challenges, enable you to pursue His purposes with a deeper sense of inner peace and resolve?**

### FAQ

**Was Solomon's peace truly absolute throughout his entire reign, or is this verse a theological idealization?**

Answer: While [1 Kings 5:4](/1_kings/5-4 "1 Kings 5:4 - Solomon's Era of Peace") describes a period of unprecedented tranquility and the absence of major external and internal threats, it is primarily a theological statement emphasizing God's unique provision and the ideal conditions specifically for the Temple's construction. For the particular purpose of initiating and carrying out the Temple project, the kingdom indeed enjoyed remarkable stability. However, later in Solomon's long reign, the biblical narrative does record the rise of significant adversaries, such as [Hadad the Edomite](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14 - Hadad the Edomite, an Adversary to Solomon"), [Rezon of Damascus](/1_kings/11-23 "1 Kings 11:23 - Rezon, an Adversary to Solomon"), and the internal rebellion led by [Jeroboam](/1_kings/11-26 "1 Kings 11:26 - Jeroboam's Rebellion Against Solomon"). Therefore, while the verse highlights a divinely granted era of peace foundational for God's work, it should be understood as a description of the prevailing and divinely orchestrated conditions at the time of the Temple's inception, rather than a guarantee of perpetual, absolute calm for his entire reign.

**What is the deeper significance of "the LORD my God hath given me rest"?**

Answer: The emphatic declaration "the LORD my God hath given me rest" carries profound theological significance. It underscores the concept of divine agency and God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and national circumstances. This profound peace was not merely a fortunate outcome of Solomon's diplomatic skill, military prowess, or strategic alliances, but a direct, supernatural blessing and provision from God Himself. It represents a tangible fulfillment of the covenant promises made to David, particularly the promise of a peaceful succession and a son who would build God's house (see [2 Samuel 7:11](/2_samuel/7-11 "2 Samuel 7:11 - God's Promise of Rest to David")). This highlights a crucial biblical principle: God actively prepares the way for His work to be accomplished, providing the necessary conditions—even peace in a volatile world—for His people to fulfill His will and for His kingdom purposes to advance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Solomon's divinely granted peace, which enabled the construction of the magnificent physical Temple in Jerusalem, serves as a beautiful and profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and everlasting peace found exclusively in Jesus Christ, the greater Solomon. While Solomon's reign, despite its initial glory and prosperity, was ultimately temporary and imperfect, eventually giving way to division and conflict, Jesus brings a peace that the world cannot give and cannot take away ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")). He is the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who, through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and triumphant resurrection, has decisively conquered the ultimate adversaries of humanity: sin, death, and Satan ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Through Him, we receive complete reconciliation with God, experiencing a spiritual "rest for our souls" ([Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28-29 "Matthew 11:28-29 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")) and an inner peace that surpasses all human understanding, which guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). In Christ, the true and eternal Temple, the Church, is being built, not with human hands, but with living stones, founded upon the perfect peace, unity, and reconciliation He provides ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on Christ, a Holy Temple")). He has definitively overcome the world and its "evil occurrents," offering His followers His profound peace even amidst tribulation and suffering ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 22:9

Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

1 Kings 4:24

For he had dominion over all [the region] on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Psalms 72:7

In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.