1 Kings 5:4
But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis.
But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side,

Solomon recognized that Israel’s security did not arise merely from military strength, diplomacy, or inherited power. The LORD had subdued the surrounding enemies and fulfilled His promise to David that He would give Israel rest from its foes (2 Samuel 7:11). David’s reign had been marked by necessary wars that secured the kingdom and prepared the way for the temple; Solomon inherited the peace God had established. With the land at rest, Solomon could devote the nation’s resources to building the house of the LORD, a work David had desired but was not permitted to complete (1 Chronicles 28:3–6). Israel’s rest anticipated the deeper rest God provides for His people, ultimately fulfilled through Christ, who brings believers into peace with God and promises a final rest in His kingdom (Hebrews 4:9–10).

1Ch 22:18 For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand.…
Jos 21:44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side,…
2Sa 7:1 After the king had settled into his palace,…

and there is no adversary

Solomon’s early reign enjoyed unusual stability among Israel’s neighboring nations. Hiram of Tyre remained a faithful ally, trade flourished, and surrounding kings acknowledged Solomon’s authority and wisdom. The absence of hostile powers enabled Israel to gather materials, organize labor, and begin the temple without the interruption of war. Such peace pointed beyond Solomon to the reign of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace, whose victory over sin, death, and Satan will establish enduring righteousness and security.

Pro 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes…
1Ki 4:25 Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt…

or crisis.

Internal disorder also did not threaten the kingdom during this season. God had granted Solomon wisdom to judge justly, govern wisely, and preserve unity among the tribes. Prosperity and order gave Israel an opportunity to worship the LORD from a settled land rather than amid conflict and uncertainty. The peace of Solomon’s kingdom foreshadowed the righteous rule of Christ, under whom justice, holiness, and peace will finally prevail without interruption.

Psa 91:10 no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent.
Isa 54:14 In righteousness you will be established,…
2Ki 22:20 Therefore I will indeed gather you to your fathers,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the king of Israel at this time. Known for his wisdom, Solomon is tasked with building the temple for the Lord.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who has granted Solomon peace and rest from his enemies, allowing him to focus on building the temple.

3. Israel
The nation over which Solomon reigns. During his reign, Israel experiences a period of peace and prosperity.

4. Adversary
Refers to enemies or opponents. In this context, it indicates that Solomon's kingdom is free from external threats.

5. Crisis
Refers to internal turmoil or conflict. Solomon's reign is marked by stability and order.
Teaching Points
God's Provision of Peace
God is the ultimate source of peace and rest. Just as He provided Solomon with a time of peace to accomplish His purposes, He can provide us with peace in our lives to fulfill His will.

Fulfillment of God's Promises
The peace Solomon experienced was a fulfillment of God's promise to David. This teaches us that God is faithful to His promises, and we can trust Him to fulfill His word in our lives.

Preparation for God's Work
Times of peace and rest are opportunities to prepare for the work God has called us to do. We should use these times wisely to build and strengthen our spiritual lives.

The Importance of a Peaceful Environment
A peaceful environment is crucial for accomplishing significant tasks. We should strive to create peace in our surroundings to focus on God's work.

Spiritual Rest in Christ
The rest Solomon experienced is a shadow of the spiritual rest we find in Christ. We are invited to enter into this rest by trusting in Jesus and His finished work on the cross.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's experience of peace and rest reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we seek God's peace in our own lives, especially during times of turmoil?

3. How can we use times of peace and rest to prepare for the work God has called us to do?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to create a peaceful environment in our homes and communities?

5. How does the concept of rest in 1 Kings 5:4 relate to the spiritual rest offered to us in Christ, as described in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 22:9
This verse prophesies that Solomon will be a man of peace and rest, and it connects to 1 Kings 5:4 by showing the fulfillment of God's promise.

Psalm 72
A psalm attributed to Solomon, which speaks of a reign characterized by peace and justice, reflecting the conditions described in 1 Kings 5:4.

Hebrews 4:9-10
Discusses the concept of rest for the people of God, drawing a parallel to the rest Solomon experienced, which foreshadows the spiritual rest found in Christ.
The Co-Operation of HiramJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 5:1-18
The TempleJ. Waite 1 Kings 5:2-6
People
Adoniram, David, Gebalites, Giblites, Hiram, Sidonians, Solomon
Places
Gebal, Lebanon, Tyre
Topics
Adversary, Disaster, Event, Evil, Making, Misfortune, Occurrence, Occurrent, Rest, Round, Taking, Trouble
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 5:4

     4207   land, divine gift
     5057   rest, physical

1 Kings 5:1-11

     4424   cedar

1 Kings 5:1-13

     7467   temple, Solomon's

1 Kings 5:3-4

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

1 Kings 5:4-5

     7382   house of God

Library
Great Preparations for a Great Work
'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
The Messianic prophecy, as we have seen, began at a time long anterior to that of David. Even in Genesis, we perceived [Pg 131] it, increasing more and more in distinctness. There is at first only the general promise that the seed of the woman should obtain the victory over the kingdom of the evil one;--then, that the salvation should come through the descendants of Shem;--then, from among them Abraham is marked out,--of his sons, Isaac,--from among his sons, Jacob,--and from among the twelve sons
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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