1 Kings 11:23

And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah,

Study Bible

And God raised up
This phrase indicates divine intervention in the affairs of men. The Hebrew root for "raised up" is "קוּם" (qum), which means to establish or set up. In the context of 1 Kings, it underscores God's sovereignty and His active role in the unfolding of history. God is not passive; He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, even using adversaries to discipline and redirect His people.

against Solomon
Solomon, despite his wisdom and the prosperity of his reign, had turned away from God by allowing idolatry to flourish. The phrase "against Solomon" highlights the personal nature of this divine action. It serves as a reminder that no one, not even a king, is beyond accountability. Solomon's disobedience had consequences, and God was actively working to bring him back to righteousness.

another adversary
The Hebrew word for "adversary" is "שָׂטָן" (satan), which can mean opponent or accuser. This is not just a physical enemy but a spiritual and moral challenge. The presence of adversaries in Solomon's life is a reflection of the spiritual warfare that believers face. It is a call to remain vigilant and faithful, recognizing that challenges can be opportunities for growth and repentance.

Rezon son of Eliada
Rezon's introduction as an adversary is significant. His name, "רְזוֹן" (Rezon), means "prince" or "ruler," suggesting a person of influence and power. The mention of his lineage, "son of Eliada," provides historical context, grounding the narrative in real events and people. It reminds us that God's plans often involve individuals who may seem insignificant but are used mightily in His divine narrative.

who had fled from his master
This phrase indicates a past conflict and a break from authority. Rezon's flight from his master, Hadadezer, king of Zobah, suggests a history of rebellion and ambition. It reflects the broader theme of rebellion against God, as seen in Solomon's own life. This historical detail serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where fleeing from worldly masters can lead to a confrontation with divine authority.

Hadadezer king of Zobah
Hadadezer, whose name means "Hadad is my help," was a powerful king in the region of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom. The historical context of Zobah as a significant power in the Near East during this period provides insight into the geopolitical dynamics at play. This reference to Hadadezer situates Rezon's rebellion within a larger narrative of regional power struggles, illustrating how God uses even international politics to accomplish His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rezon
Rezon was the son of Eliada and became an adversary to King Solomon. His opposition was part of God's judgment against Solomon for his disobedience.

2. Eliada
The father of Rezon. Not much is detailed about Eliada, but his son played a significant role in opposing Solomon.

3. Solomon
The King of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. However, his heart turned away from God due to his foreign wives and idolatry.

4. Hadad
Another adversary raised by God against Solomon, from Edom. His opposition, along with Rezon's, was a consequence of Solomon's disobedience.

5. Edom
A region south of Israel, historically in conflict with Israel. Hadad, from Edom, was one of the adversaries God raised against Solomon.

Teaching Points

Consequences of Disobedience
Solomon's turning away from God led to the rise of adversaries. Disobedience to God's commands can lead to negative consequences in our lives.

God's Sovereignty
God raised up adversaries against Solomon, demonstrating His control over nations and leaders. We can trust in God's sovereignty even when facing opposition.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Solomon's account is a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God throughout our lives, not just at the beginning.

The Danger of Compromise
Solomon's alliances through marriage led to idolatry. Compromising our values can lead us away from God.

Repentance and Restoration
While Solomon faced consequences, the broader biblical account shows that repentance can lead to restoration. We should seek God's forgiveness and return to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the rise of Rezon as an adversary illustrate the consequences of Solomon's disobedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways does God's sovereignty manifest in the events of 1 Kings 11, and how can this understanding impact our response to challenges in our lives?

3. Reflect on a time when compromise led you away from your values. How can Solomon's account encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith?

4. How do the adversaries raised against Solomon compare to the challenges we face today, and what biblical principles can we apply to overcome them?

5. Considering Deuteronomy 17:16-17, what steps can we take to ensure we are living in obedience to God's commands in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 11:14-22
This passage details the rise of Hadad as an adversary to Solomon, providing context to the adversarial role that Rezon also played.

Deuteronomy 17:16-17
These verses outline the laws for kings of Israel, including prohibitions against accumulating excessive wealth and foreign wives, which Solomon violated, leading to God's judgment.

2 Samuel 8:3-8
This passage describes King David's victories, including over Hadadezer, which sets the stage for the later conflicts during Solomon's reign.