Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 11:25. It’s a really important and complex passage about God's judgment on Solomon and his reign. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of intense conflict and opposition between God and Solomon, leading to significant consequences for his kingdom. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he was an adversary to Israel…” – Think of this as Solomon being a constant challenge or enemy to the people of Israel. He wasn't just disagreeing; he actively fought against them. “all the days of Solomon…” – This means for a long, extended period – likely many years. It’s not a one-time event. “…beside the mischief that Hadad [did]…” – This is where it gets more complicated. “Hadad” was a powerful and malevolent figure in ancient Israel. He was often depicted as a demon or a restless spirit who caused trouble, chaos, and even death. The verse says Solomon’s actions were actively hindering God's plans for his kingdom. Essentially, he was causing problems for the people. “and he abhorred Israel…” – This is a crucial part. Solomon wasn't just tolerated; he actively disliked and refused to respect the people of Israel. He was rejecting their worship and traditions. “…and reigned over Syria.” – Finally, this tells us that his opposition escalated into a significant problem. He ruled in a region called Syria, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. This suggests he was actively undermining God's kingdom’s stability and prosperity. In simpler terms, the verse says: Solomon was a persistent enemy to Israel, constantly causing trouble and refusing to respect their faith and traditions. His actions were so disruptive that he even ruled in a foreign land, further distancing him from God’s people. What does this mean? It highlights several important themes: God's Sovereignty: God is actively working against his chosen people. Opposition to Faith: This verse demonstrates the potential for opposition to arise even within a powerful kingdom. The Importance of Obedience: It shows that ignoring God’s commands and traditions can lead to serious consequences. Important Note: The context of this passage is crucial. It's part of a larger story about Solomon's reign, which includes his building of the Temple in Jerusalem. It emphasizes that while Solomon was a wise and capable king, his actions ultimately contributed to God’s judgment on Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you a quick summary for someone who doesn't know much about biblical history? Relate this verse to a specific event or story in the Bible?