The writer of Kings now presents the various troubles of Solomon’s reign. It must not be thought that these were reserved solely for the last years of his life, for as Solomon kept going ever deeper into sin he found his troubles increasing. God’s continued presence cannot abide forever with those who despise His grace. A stubborn rejection of the Lord’s mercy and love causes God at length to withdraw His restraining arm and His protecting grace, with the result that the evil one moves in to rend and destroy. Affliction and woe come from Satan. Solomon had opportunity to see in the woes that came upon him the true nature of the one he had chosen to obey.

 A common Semitic name. It occurs in the list of Edomite kings of Gen. 36:31-39, and is also found as a designation of the Syrian kings, “Ben-hadad” (1 Kings 15:18; Jer. 49:27), and “Hadadezer” (2 Sam. 8:3-6).