Rezon was Israel's enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel. RezonThe name "Rezon" is derived from the Hebrew root "רָזוֹן" (Razon), which means "prince" or "ruler." Rezon was a significant adversary to Solomon, representing the external threats that arose due to Solomon's disobedience to God. Historically, Rezon was a leader who seized control of Damascus, establishing a kingdom that would become a persistent thorn in Israel's side. His rise to power is a reminder of the political instability that can arise when a nation turns away from divine guidance. Israel’s enemy
The phrase "Israel’s enemy" underscores the adversarial relationship between Rezon and the nation of Israel. In the Hebrew context, the word for "enemy" is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), which conveys not just opposition but active hostility. This enmity is emblematic of the spiritual and physical conflicts that Israel faced when it strayed from God's commandments. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of forsaking divine wisdom and the protection it affords. throughout the days of Solomon
This phrase highlights the duration of Rezon's enmity, which persisted "throughout the days of Solomon." Solomon's reign, though marked by wisdom and prosperity, was also a time of spiritual decline due to his alliances and idolatry. The continuous nature of Rezon's opposition serves as a metaphor for the enduring consequences of sin and the importance of steadfast faithfulness to God. adding to the trouble
The phrase "adding to the trouble" indicates that Rezon's actions compounded the difficulties faced by Solomon. The Hebrew word for "trouble" is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which can mean evil, distress, or calamity. This addition of trouble reflects the cumulative effect of disobedience and the way in which one sin can lead to further complications and challenges. caused by Hadad
Hadad was another adversary of Israel, and his mention here provides context for the compounded nature of Israel's troubles. Hadad, an Edomite prince, had his own grievances against Israel, and his actions, combined with Rezon's, illustrate the multifaceted nature of the threats that arose due to Solomon's failure to remain true to God's covenant. So Rezon ruled over Aram
The phrase "ruled over Aram" indicates Rezon's dominion over the region of Aram, known today as Syria. This area was strategically significant, and Rezon's control over it posed a direct threat to Israel's security. The historical and geographical context of Aram as a neighboring power highlights the geopolitical challenges faced by Israel and the importance of divine favor in securing national stability. with hostility toward Israel
The phrase "with hostility toward Israel" emphasizes the aggressive stance Rezon maintained against God's chosen people. The Hebrew word for "hostility" is "שִׂנְאָה" (sin'ah), which conveys deep-seated enmity and animosity. This hostility serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the necessity of relying on God's strength to overcome opposition. Persons / Places / Events 1. RezonA leader who became an adversary to Israel during Solomon's reign. He ruled over Aram and maintained hostility toward Israel. 2. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, led by King Solomon during this period. Israel faced external threats due to Solomon's disobedience. 3. SolomonThe King of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, but also for his later disobedience to God, which led to adversaries rising against him. 4. HadadAnother adversary of Israel who caused trouble during Solomon's reign, mentioned alongside Rezon. 5. AramA region and people often in conflict with Israel, ruled by Rezon during this time. Teaching Points Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's turning away from God led to adversaries rising against Israel. Disobedience to God can lead to turmoil and conflict in our lives. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod raised adversaries against Solomon as a form of judgment. We must recognize God's sovereignty and the reality of divine discipline. The Importance of FaithfulnessSolomon's account reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God throughout our lives, not just in our early years. The Role of AdversariesAdversaries can serve as a wake-up call to return to God. We should examine our lives for areas of disobedience when facing opposition. Legacy and InfluenceSolomon's actions affected the entire nation of Israel. Our choices can have far-reaching impacts on those around us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the rise of Rezon as an adversary illustrate the consequences of Solomon's disobedience to God? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the adversities we face today? 3. How can Solomon's account encourage us to remain faithful to God throughout our entire lives? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions positively influence those around us, as opposed to negatively, like Solomon's did? 5. How can we use the presence of adversaries or challenges in our lives as an opportunity to examine our relationship with God and make necessary changes? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:14-22Provides context about Hadad, another adversary raised by God against Solomon, showing a pattern of divine judgment due to Solomon's disobedience. 1 Kings 11:9-13Details God's anger with Solomon for turning away from Him, leading to the rise of adversaries like Rezon and Hadad. 2 Samuel 8:3-8Describes David's victories over Aram, contrasting with the troubles faced by Solomon, highlighting the consequences of faithfulness versus disobedience. Proverbs 16:7Suggests that when a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him, contrasting Solomon's situation. Deuteronomy 28:15, 25Warns of the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments, including being defeated by enemies. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Abhorred, Adding, Adversary, Along, Aram, Beside, Besides, Caused, Cruel, Cutteth, Damage, Edom, Evil, Hadad, Hostile, Israel's, Mischief, Reigned, Reigneth, Rezon, Ruled, Ruler, Solomon, Syria, TroubleDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:25 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 1 Kings 11:14-26 7236 Israel, united kingdom Library The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:25 NIV1 Kings 11:25 NLT1 Kings 11:25 ESV1 Kings 11:25 NASB1 Kings 11:25 KJV
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