MPV Commentary

14-25. The Lord allowed an adversary to rise up against Israel. This was Hadad, a member of the royal family in Edom who had been rescued as a child from the sword of Joab during his conquest of Edom (2Sa 8:13). Hadad was taken to Egypt and became allied with the Egyptian king. Later, when he learned of David's death and Joab's demise, he renounced his life of ease in Egypt and returned to Edom to reclaim his ancestral throne. His actions caused significant trouble for the Hebrew government, but he was ultimately defeated by the strong garrisons stationed throughout Edomite territory.

Hadad then joined forces with Rezon, another adversary of Solomon (1Ki 11:23-25). Rezon had been a general under Hadadezer and after his defeat, he successfully led a large force into hiding. He then began a life of raiding on the borders of the Syrian and Arabian deserts, eventually becoming king in Damascus and throwing off the yoke of Israel's rule. He became a constant adversary to Israel during Solomon's reign.

Rezon was succeeded by Hadad, who took the title Ben-hadad from him, establishing the powerful kingdom of Damascene-Syria. These neighboring kingdoms, emboldened by David's legendary victories, began to break free and cause trouble for Solomon in his later years, disrupting trade with Tadmor and the Euphrates.

26-40. Jeroboam was an internal enemy who posed a formidable threat. He was a young man of talent and energy, appointed by Solomon as superintendent of engineering projects around Jerusalem. However, after being informed by the prophet Ahijah that he would one day become king (1Ki 11:30-39), his ambitions took on a new direction.

29. The prophet Ahijah went to meet Jeroboam, disguising himself in a new garment and concealing himself from view. Despite this secrecy, the story of the encounter likely reached Solomon's ears, marking Jeroboam as a target for suspicion. His ambition led him to plot against Solomon, forcing him to flee to Egypt.

Jeroboam's refusal to wait for God's timing and his rebellion against Solomon ultimately led to his downfall. The heavy taxes and forced labor imposed by Solomon on his subjects had created widespread discontent, making Jeroboam's message of resistance more appealing to the people.

40. Shishak, a ruler from a different dynasty than Solomon's father-in-law, harbored and supported Jeroboam in his rebellion against Solomon.