Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” This was clearly demonstrated during the early reign of Solomon. Once he went wayward and turned to venerate idols, adversaries emerged to trouble him. For the consequences of his sins, 1 Kings 11:14-25 tell us that God raised adversaries to trouble Israel.
The first adversary was Hadad who was
the only surviving member of Edom’s royal family. During David's overwhelming
victory of Edom, the commander of his army Joab had exterminated every male in
Edom in six months. Hadad, a young boy then, together with some of his father’s
servants, managed to escape the massacre. Verse 18 said that they arose from
Midian and came to Paran and managed to recruit some men from Paran to join
him. When they came to Egypt, Hadad found favor with Pharoah, who
not only gave them shelter, but also the hand of his own sister-in-law in
marriage. There in Egypt, he had a son named Genubath. Having undergone such
circumstances, it was understandable that Hadad grew up hating Israel. So when
he heard that David and Joab had died, he sought to return to his country.
Despite Pharoah’s persuasion, he insisted on returning to his home to harass
Solomon.
The second adversary God raised was Razon described in verses 23-25. He also had escaped from David. He raised a marauding band and took control of Damascus or Syria. From there they troubled and harassed Israel. Together, Hadad and Razon were a constant menace to Solomon. The former gave him trouble in the south and the latter in the north.
The Bible makes it clear that those whom God loves He will discipline. But honestly speaking, some disciplines are needless. How to avoid needless discipline? Firstly, don’t take God for granted. Secondly, be quick to obey Him. Thirdly, seek to live a life pleasing to God. For when we do, he will make even our enemies to be at peace with us. Be faithful to God and don’t invite needless discipline!
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