1 Kings Chapter 5 · Verse 4
But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֕ה
H6258
הֵנִ֨יחַ
hath given me rest
H5117
הֵנִ֨יחַ
hath given me rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
2 of 11
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
יְהוָ֧ה
But now the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
But now the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהַ֛י
my God
H430
אֱלֹהַ֛י
my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מִסָּבִ֑יב
on every side
H5439
מִסָּבִ֑יב
on every side
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
6 of 11
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
שָׂטָ֔ן
so that there is neither adversary
H7854
שָׂטָ֔ן
so that there is neither adversary
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
8 of 11
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
וְאֵ֖ין
H369
Cross References
1 Chronicles 22:9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.1 Kings 4:24For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
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 does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of preparations for building the temple, 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.