1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 25
And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֨י
H1961
וַיְהִ֨י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׂטָ֤ן
And he was an adversary
H7854
שָׂטָ֤ן
And he was an adversary
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
2 of 15
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְמֵ֣י
all the days
H3117
יְמֵ֣י
all the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 15
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְאֶת
H854
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הָֽרָעָ֖ה
beside the mischief
H7451
הָֽרָעָ֖ה
beside the mischief
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
8 of 15
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֲדָ֑ד
that Hadad
H1908
הֲדָ֑ד
that Hadad
Strong's:
H1908
Word #:
10 of 15
hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title
וַיָּ֙קָץ֙
did and he abhorred
H6973
וַיָּ֙קָץ֙
did and he abhorred
Strong's:
H6973
Word #:
11 of 15
to be (causatively, make) disgusted or anxious
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
and reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
13 of 15
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
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 he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.
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.