1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 14
And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֨קֶם
stirred up
H6965
וַיָּ֨קֶם
stirred up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 11
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שָׂטָן֙
an adversary
H7854
שָׂטָן֙
an adversary
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
3 of 11
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֲדַ֣ד
Hadad
H1908
הֲדַ֣ד
Hadad
Strong's:
H1908
Word #:
6 of 11
hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title
הָֽאֲדֹמִ֑י
the Edomite
H130
הָֽאֲדֹמִ֑י
the Edomite
Strong's:
H130
Word #:
7 of 11
an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom
מִזֶּ֧רַע
seed
H2233
מִזֶּ֧רַע
seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
8 of 11
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.