DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday November 5th 2025 Self-Incurred Divine Displeasure

DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday November 5th 2025

TOPIC: Self-Incurred Divine Displeasure

Key Verse

“And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king’s seed in Edom”(1 Kings 11:14)

TEXT — 1 Kings 11:14-25

Message

Elisabeth Elliot, at Urbana 76, told a story about her brother, Thomas Howard. Their mother let him play with paper bags she had saved if he put them away afterward. One day, she walked into the kitchen to find them strewn all over the floor. Tom was out at the piano with his father singing hymns. When confronted, he protested, “But Mom, I want to sing.” His father stated, “It’s no good singing God’s praise if you’re disobedient.”

God stirred up adversaries against King Solomon’s peaceful reign to let him know it was not good singing God’s praise while he was disobedient. Solomon enjoyed uncommon favour from God, having been preferred above other sons of David to ascend the throne despite the circumstances of his birth. Celebrated as the wisest and wealthiest king of his day and blessed with stupendous wealth, Solomon, however, sadly misused and abused all the good things that God gave him to succeed as king over Israel. While David was alive, he admonished him to serve the God of his father so that he could continue to receive divine favour and support (1 Chronicles 28:9). He warned him about the dire consequences of forsaking the Lord as that would attract God’s displeasure and punishment.

Unfortunately, Solomon, who started well, veered off the good path and did poorly. True to his father’s prediction, God turned His back on Solomon because he turned his back on God. The text states that the LORD “stirred up” both Hadad and Rezon as adversaries for Solomon. It was clear evidence of divine punishment on Solomon for straying from God’s commandments, particularly his marriage to heathen women who influenced him to build altars for their idols. The activities of these adversaries suggest that Solomon had lost God’s favour. His continuance in ungodliness brought him more troubles and created problems for Israel after his death. The passage thus teaches us the consequences of disobeying God’s commandments and living in sin and idolatry.

We must never lose sight of the role of divine providence in human affairs. God is portrayed as actively involved in the events of history, raising adversaries against Solomon as a form of discipline for his disobedience. As you reflect on Solomon’s backsliding, examine yourself. What is your attitude to the word of God? Remember, obedience and righteousness will always attract divine blessings, but disobedience incurs His displeasure.

Thought for the day

Disobedience to God opens the door for the adversary.

• Bible
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