Compare Solomon's adversaries in 1 Kings 11 with other biblical examples of opposition. Setting the Scene • 1 Kings 11 recounts the dark turn in Solomon’s reign—foreign wives, idolatry, and a heart “not fully devoted to the LORD” (v. 4). • In response, “the LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon” (v. 14). By v. 25 we read: “Rezon ruled in Aram and was hostile toward Israel all the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad.” Who Were Solomon’s Adversaries? • Hadad the Edomite (vv. 14-22) – Survivor of Joab’s earlier slaughter in Edom – Sheltered in Egypt; returned, burning with resentment • Rezon son of Eliada (vv. 23-25) – A fugitive from Hadadezer king of Zobah – Gathered men, seized Damascus, reigned in Aram, harassed Israel “all the days of Solomon” • Jeroboam son of Nebat (vv. 26-40) – Solomon’s own official from Ephraim – Given a prophetic promise of ten tribes (Ahijah’s cloak symbolism) – Forced into exile in Egypt until Solomon died (v. 40) Purpose Behind the Opposition • Direct divine discipline: “Since you have done this… I will surely tear the kingdom away from you” (v. 11). • Echoes earlier warnings: Deuteronomy 28:25, 48-50—foreign nations as instruments of judgment when Israel turns aside. • The adversaries illustrate Proverbs 3:12—“For the LORD disciplines the one He loves.” Parallel Examples of God-Raised Opponents 1. Judges cycle—“The LORD sold them into the hands of their enemies” (Judges 2:14), e.g., Eglon, Sisera, Midianites 2. Saul’s jealousy toward David—1 Samuel 18:10-12; divine removal of peace from a disobedient king 3. Pharaoh vs. Moses—Exodus 5-14; God “raised up” Pharaoh (Romans 9:17) to display His power 4. Sennacherib vs. Hezekiah—2 Kings 18-19; Assyria as “the rod of My anger” (Isaiah 10:5) 5. Sanballat & Tobiah vs. Nehemiah—Nehemiah 4-6; external harassment during rebuilding 6. Haman vs. the Jews (Esther)—evil plot met by providential reversal Common Threads in These Conflicts • Divine sovereignty: The LORD “raises up” or “hardens” as He pleases (Daniel 2:21). • Human responsibility: Disobedience invites discipline (1 Kings 11:9-11; Galatians 6:7). • Covenant fidelity at stake: Each adversary tests Israel’s loyalty and dependence on God. • Opportunity for repentance: Adversity often precedes renewal (e.g., Judges 2:18; Nehemiah 8:9-12). Contrasts and Comparisons • External vs. internal foes – Hadad/Rezon resemble Sennacherib or Pharaoh—foreign nations pressing Israel. – Jeroboam parallels Saul vs. David—domestic uprising. • Immediate judgment vs. delayed judgment – Solomon spared “for the sake of David” until after his death (1 Kings 11:12); Hezekiah likewise given reprieve (2 Kings 20:6). • Scale of impact – Hadad & Rezon bite at Israel’s borders. – Jeroboam’s rebellion splits the kingdom—lasting division like that caused by the golden calf incident (Exodus 32). Takeaways for Today • Sin leaves a breach for opposition; faithfulness seals it. • God’s corrective hand is as certain as His promises of blessing. • Opposition need not be final—repentance can restore and even redirect history, as with Hezekiah or Nehemiah. Closing Reflections from Scripture • “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 • “Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 |
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