But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

1 KINGS 5:4KJV
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1 Kings 5:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 5:4 mean?

1 Kings 5:4 describes how Solomon, the king of Israel, is experiencing a time of peace and security because the LORD his God has given him rest from enemies and trouble. There are no adversaries or harmful events threatening his rule at this moment.

Solomon is speaking to Hiram, the king of Tyre, explaining why he is now able to focus on building the temple for God. The verse highlights a period in Israel’s history when the nation is not at war and there are no immediate dangers, which Solomon credits to God’s protection and favor.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 5:4

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship. Solomon is clear that his peace comes specifically from Yahweh, not just any deity.
  • "rest" (נוּחַ, nuach): This word means more than just a break from work; it suggests a settled, secure peace where threats are absent. Solomon’s rest is not just personal relaxation but national stability.
  • "adversary" (שָׂטָן, satan): This word often means an opponent or enemy. Here, it shows that Solomon faces no one actively working against him or the kingdom.
  • "evil occurrent" (פֶּגַע רָע, pega‘ ra‘): This phrase refers to harmful incidents or disasters. The verse stresses that not only are there no enemies, but also no unexpected misfortunes.

Why 1 Kings 5:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Solomon’s ability to build the temple is possible because of a unique period of peace, not just his personal ambition or resources.
  • By using specific words for rest and adversary, the verse emphasizes that this peace is both external (no enemies) and internal (no disasters), making it a rare and significant moment in Israel’s history.
  • The context shows that Solomon sees this peace as a gift from God, not merely the result of his own actions or political skill, highlighting a theme of divine provision in the larger narrative.

Where else these words appear

“occurrent” Hebrew H6294 · used in 2 verses

  • Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

“adversary” Hebrew H7854 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 22:22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
  • Job 2:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.