Topical Bible: The Edomites were Stirred up Against Solomon

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, play a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly during the reign of King Solomon. The tension between Israel and Edom is rooted in the longstanding enmity between Esau and Jacob, which is reflected in the interactions between their descendants. The specific incident of the Edomites being stirred up against Solomon is a pivotal moment that highlights the challenges Solomon faced during his reign.

Biblical Context

The account of the Edomites being stirred up against Solomon is found in 1 Kings 11:14-22. This passage describes how God raised up adversaries against Solomon as a consequence of his turning away from the Lord. Solomon's heart had been led astray by his many foreign wives, who turned him toward other gods, leading to his spiritual decline and disobedience to God's commandments.

Hadad the Edomite

One of the adversaries raised against Solomon was Hadad the Edomite. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom" (1 Kings 11:14). Hadad had fled to Egypt as a child when Joab, the commander of David's army, had struck down every male in Edom. During his time in Egypt, Hadad found favor with Pharaoh and married the sister of Pharaoh's wife, Queen Tahpenes.

Upon hearing of David's death and Joab's demise, Hadad sought permission from Pharaoh to return to his homeland. His return to Edom marked the beginning of hostilities against Solomon, as Hadad harbored a deep-seated animosity towards Israel for the devastation wrought by David's forces.

Divine Judgment and Political Turmoil

The stirring up of the Edomites against Solomon is seen as part of God's judgment on Solomon for his idolatry and failure to remain faithful to the covenant. The BSB notes: "So the LORD said to Solomon, 'Since you have done this and have not kept My covenant and statutes, which I commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant'" (1 Kings 11:11). The adversaries, including Hadad, were instruments of divine retribution, serving to weaken Solomon's kingdom and foreshadow the eventual division of Israel.

Historical and Theological Significance

The enmity between Israel and Edom during Solomon's reign is emblematic of the broader theme of conflict between the descendants of Jacob and Esau. This animosity is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, symbolizing the struggle between God's chosen people and their adversaries. The stirring up of the Edomites serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of faithfulness to His commandments.

The narrative also underscores the political instability that can arise from spiritual compromise. Solomon's alliances through marriage to foreign women led to the introduction of idolatry, which in turn brought about divine displeasure and political adversaries. The Edomites' opposition is a testament to the interconnectedness of spiritual fidelity and national security in the biblical worldview.

Conclusion

The account of the Edomites being stirred up against Solomon is a multifaceted narrative that highlights the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a historical account of the political challenges faced by Solomon and a theological reflection on the importance of covenant faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 11:14
And the LORD stirred up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 3. How Those That Stirred Up This Sedition Were ... Made An Expedition Against
The Edomites And Amalekites ... Was Slain; As Also What Edifices Were Built By ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Prophet Amos.
... I send against you serpents, basilisks, against which there ... verse), and the windows
of heaven were opened." From ... midst of the heathen world, stirred up by the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... Deuteronomy 23:1-8, where the Edomites and Egyptians ... by the elevation of those who
were sons only ... the Babylonish captivity, when the Lord stirred up a number ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The wars between Israel and Damascus up to the ... Bedawin tribes"Kenites, Jerahmelites,
Edomites, and Midianites ... Its component elements were not, however, firmly ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Syria but thrice."* Amaziah, on his side, had routed the Edomites in the ... is generally
admitted of two or three books which were drawn up shortly after ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... to match against the regular forces of Assyria: he therefore broke up the tribal
contingents and rearranged the units of which they were composed according to ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... with small stones, stood no chance against such an ... the supervision to which they
were subjected, few ... death of Tukulti-ninip; the populace, stirred up no doubt ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm