1 Kings 11:23

KJV

And God stirred him up [another] adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} stirred him up {H6965} another adversary {H7854}, Rezon {H7331} the son {H1121} of Eliadah {H450}, which fled {H1272} from his lord {H113} Hadadezer {H1909} king {H4428} of Zobah {H6678}:

Complete Jewish Bible

God raised up another adversary against Shlomo, Rezon the son of Elyada, who had fled from his lord Hadad'ezer king of Tzovah

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And God raised upanotheradversary unto him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:23 introduces Rezon of Zobah as another divinely appointed adversary against King Solomon, immediately following Hadad the Edomite. This verse serves as a potent testament to God's active and sovereign judgment against Solomon's escalating idolatry and profound disobedience, underscoring the severe and inevitable consequences of straying from covenant faithfulness and foreshadowing the eventual, dramatic division of the once-united kingdom of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the tragic narrative of King Solomon's spiritual decline, which is meticulously detailed beginning in [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry"). These preceding verses recount Solomon's numerous foreign marriages and his subsequent embrace of their pagan deities, a direct violation of God's commands. The divine declaration of judgment against Solomon, explicitly stating God's intent to tear the kingdom from his hand, is articulated in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon for Disobedience"). Rezon is presented here as the second of three significant adversaries God raises up, following Hadad the Edomite ([1 Kings 11:14-22](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14-22 - Hadad the Edomite, Solomon's First Adversary")) and preceding Jeroboam ([1 Kings 11:26-40](/1_kings/11-26 "1 Kings 11:26-40 - Jeroboam, Solomon's Third Adversary")). This deliberate sequence of adversaries dramatically highlights the escalating nature of God's discipline and the progressive unraveling of Solomon's once-glorious and peaceful reign, a direct and unavoidable consequence of his profound spiritual infidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rezon is specifically identified as a former captain under Hadadezer, the powerful king of Zobah. Zobah was a prominent Aramean kingdom that King David had decisively defeated and subjugated earlier in Israel's history, as thoroughly recounted in [2 Samuel 8:3-8](/2_samuel/8-3 "2 Samuel 8:3-8 - David's Victory over Hadadezer"). Rezon's status as a fugitive from Hadadezer's defeat indicates a deep-seated, long-standing grievance and a fervent desire for vengeance against Israel, which now presented itself as a viable opportunity due to Solomon's spiritual and, consequently, political weakening. The broader setting is the ancient Near East, a region characterized by a constant flux of alliances, conquests, and rebellions, where the emergence of a formidable adversary frequently signaled a significant shift in regional power dynamics. God's strategic utilization of such geopolitical realities to enact His divine will powerfully demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all nations and their leaders, even those who do not acknowledge His existence or authority.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching and primary theme illuminated by this passage is **Divine Retribution and Discipline**, wherein God actively intervenes in human affairs to discipline His chosen king. The explicit declaration, "God stirred him up," unequivocally attributes the rise of Rezon to divine initiative, powerfully demonstrating that even the most powerful monarchs are ultimately subject to God's supreme authority and righteous judgment. This theme is inextricably linked to the **Consequences of Idolatry and Disobedience**, as Solomon's embrace of pagan worship, meticulously detailed in [1 Kings 11:7](/1_kings/11-7 "1 Kings 11:7 - Solomon's Idolatry and Construction of High Places"), directly led to the erosion of the unprecedented peace and prosperity that had characterized his early reign. Furthermore, the narrative profoundly emphasizes the **Sovereignty of God** in employing seemingly independent human agents and pre-existing historical circumstances—such as Rezon's past as a fugitive with a grudge—to meticulously fulfill His declared purposes. This powerfully illustrates that no human power or circumstance can ultimately thwart His divine decree, a truth emphatically affirmed in God's earlier pronouncements to Solomon in [1 Kings 11:9-11](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-11 - God's Judgment and Promise to Tear the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stirred him up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This verb, derived from the primitive root H6965 (`qûwm`), fundamentally means "to rise," "to stand," or "to establish." When used in the Hiphil causative stem, as it is here, it carries the profound meaning of "to cause to rise," "to raise up," or "to establish." Its application to God stirring up an adversary profoundly emphasizes divine initiative and active orchestration. This is not merely an instance of difficulties arising for Solomon by chance; rather, it signifies that God Himself deliberately and purposefully brought forth this opposition as a direct, intentional act of judgment and discipline in response to Solomon's profound unfaithfulness.
* **adversary (Hebrew, _sâṭân'_):** This noun, from H7854 (`sâṭân`), refers to an "opponent," "adversary," or "one who resists." While the term later evolved to specifically denote the demonic "Satan" in more developed biblical theology, in this Old Testament context, it simply signifies an earthly enemy or accuser. Its usage here highlights Rezon's specific role as a human instrument of divine opposition against King Solomon, thereby fulfilling God's declared purpose to punish the king for his grievous sins.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God stirred him up [another] adversary,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the absolute **divine agency** at play. The subject "God" (Elohim, H430) is presented as actively and directly initiating the rise of an opponent against Solomon. The inclusion of the term "another" signifies that Rezon is not the first such adversary, recalling Hadad the Edomite, and thereby emphasizing a deliberate, escalating pattern of divine judgment. This highlights God's sovereign control over historical events and His willingness to utilize external pressures as a precise and purposeful means of discipline against His disobedient people and leaders.
* **"Rezon the son of Eliadah,"**: This segment precisely identifies the specific individual whom God raises. Naming Rezon and his father, Eliadah (H450), provides a concrete historical reference, firmly grounding the divine action within a specific human character and lineage. This identification also serves to set the stage for Rezon's subsequent actions, which are detailed in the verses that follow, where he successfully establishes himself as a king in Damascus, further challenging Solomon's authority and peace.
* **"which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:"**: This crucial clause provides the essential historical background for Rezon. His status as a fugitive (H1272, `bârach`) from Hadadezer (H1909), whom King David had previously defeated, explains his deep-seated animosity towards Israel and provides a compelling motivation for his ambition to establish his own power and seek vengeance. It also subtly yet powerfully connects Solomon's present troubles to the enduring legacy of his father David, reminding the reader of the past conflicts and the long-standing geopolitical tensions that God now orchestrates and uses as precise instruments of His divine will.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its theological message. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as the text explicitly states that "God stirred him up," emphasizing God's active hand in orchestrating events and raising adversaries to fulfill His purposes. This contrasts sharply with Solomon's perceived control and immense power, powerfully highlighting the ultimate authority residing with the Almighty. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Solomon, once renowned for his unparalleled wisdom and the unprecedented peace he initially brought to Israel, now faces enemies raised by the very God who blessed him, precisely because his wisdom led to foolish choices and his peace was sacrificed for idolatry. This dramatic reversal serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, as the rise of these external adversaries directly precedes and anticipates the internal division of the united kingdom under Solomon's son, Rehoboam, thereby fulfilling God's earlier prophecy of tearing the kingdom away from Solomon's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully illustrates the profound biblical principle that divine blessing is perpetually contingent upon covenant faithfulness, and that disobedience, conversely, inevitably incurs divine judgment. God's active "stirring up" of adversaries demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His chosen people or leaders stray from its terms. It underscores that God is not a passive observer of human history but an active, sovereign participant, strategically using both internal and external circumstances, even the rebellion of human agents, to accomplish His righteous purposes and either bring His people back to Himself through discipline or to enact deserved retribution. This divine sovereignty extends not only over Israel but over all nations and their rulers, ensuring that His ultimate will invariably prevails.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience to the Covenant")
* [Psalm 78:56-64](/psalms/78-56-64 "Psalm 78:56-64 - Israel's Unfaithfulness and God's Righteous Response")
* [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Revealed Against Ungodliness and Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark account of Rezon's rise against Solomon serves as a profound and sobering reminder that even those who have received immense blessings, unparalleled wisdom, and significant authority from God are by no means immune to the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise and persistent disobedience. Solomon's tragic trajectory from a king of unparalleled wisdom and peace to one plagued by idolatry and subsequent divine judgment underscores the critical and ongoing importance of steadfast faithfulness and vigilant guarding against the subtle, insidious allure of worldly comforts, foreign influences, and self-sufficiency that can gradually draw the human heart away from its true devotion to God. Just as God sovereignly used external pressures and "adversaries" to discipline Solomon and fulfill His declared word, He may similarly allow difficulties, challenges, or opposition to arise in our lives today. These are not always arbitrary misfortunes but can be divine instruments meticulously designed to expose our spiritual complacency, refine our character, humble us in our pride, and ultimately draw us back into deeper dependence, unwavering trust, and obedient submission to Him. This passage therefore issues a compelling call for us to engage in honest self-examination: where might we be compromising our faith? What "idols"—whether material possessions, relationships, career, or comfort—might be subtly turning our hearts away from God? True security, lasting peace, and genuine prosperity are found not in human achievements, accumulated wealth, or political stability, but solely in unwavering devotion and singular allegiance to the Lord, our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's profound decline, despite his initial wisdom and blessings, challenge our assumptions about spiritual security and the maintenance of sustained faithfulness over time?**
* **In what specific ways might God "stir up" "adversaries" or difficult circumstances in our lives today to bring about necessary discipline, correction, or a renewed, fervent focus on Him?**
* **What "foreign gods" or subtle compromises in our own lives might be gradually eroding our devotion to Christ and potentially inviting divine discipline?**
* **What practical, actionable steps can we commit to taking to diligently guard our hearts against spiritual complacency and ensure that our primary allegiance remains unreservedly with God alone?**

### FAQ
**Why did God "stir up" adversaries instead of just directly punishing Solomon?**

Answer: God's methods of discipline are multifaceted and often involve using natural consequences or human agents to bring about His purposes in a way that demonstrates His sovereignty over all creation. In Solomon's case, God had already declared His explicit intention to tear the kingdom from him due to his unfaithfulness, as stated in [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon for Disobedience"). Raising up adversaries like Rezon was a concrete, tangible manifestation of this divine judgment, allowing Solomon to directly experience the bitter fruit of his choices—the erosion of the peace and security that had defined his early, obedient reign. This approach highlights God's absolute sovereignty, His perfect justice, and His profound ability to weave His divine will into the fabric of historical circumstances and human actions to fulfill His word, demonstrating that He is intimately and actively involved in the affairs of nations and kings.

**What was the significance of Zobah and Hadadezer in this context?**

Answer: Zobah was a powerful Aramean kingdom that King David had decisively defeated and subjugated, as meticulously detailed in [2 Samuel 8:3-8](/2_samuel/8-3 "2 Samuel 8:3-8 - David's Victory over Hadadezer"). Rezon's past as a captain under Hadadezer, who fled David's conquest, signifies a long-standing, deep-seated animosity towards Israel and the Davidic dynasty. By raising Rezon, God was not creating a new enemy out of nothing, but rather utilizing an existing geopolitical tension and a historical grievance to fulfill His judgment against Solomon. This powerfully demonstrates God's ability to seamlessly weave His divine will into the complex tapestry of human history, utilizing pre-existing conflicts, personal motivations, and geopolitical realities to achieve His righteous and sovereign ends.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic decline of Solomon, once the wisest and most blessed king of Israel, culminating in God raising up adversaries like Rezon, powerfully underscores the profound and ultimate need for a perfect King. Solomon, despite his initial glory and divine favor, ultimately failed to maintain covenant faithfulness, leading directly to the fracturing and division of his kingdom. This narrative, therefore, points forward with prophetic anticipation to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who embodies perfect wisdom and demonstrates unwavering, absolute obedience to God. Unlike Solomon, who tragically succumbed to idolatry and spiritual compromise, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and never once strayed from His Father's will, even to the point of sacrificial death on the cross ([Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus Learned Obedience Through Suffering")). While Solomon faced adversaries as a direct consequence of his sin, Jesus endured intense opposition and relentless persecution from a sinful world ([Hebrews 12:3](/hebrews/12-3 "Jesus Endured Hostility from Sinners")) yet remained steadfast, ultimately defeating the ultimate adversary, Satan, and triumphing over the powers of sin and death through His glorious crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over the Powers of Darkness")). He is the King whose kingdom will never be divided, torn away, or brought to an end ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Reign"), [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")), bringing eternal peace, perfect righteousness, and an undivided reign to all who wholeheartedly trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 8:3

David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

1 Kings 11:14

¶ And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he [was] of the king's seed in Edom.

Ezra 1:1

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,

2 Samuel 16:11

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

Ezekiel 38:16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

1 Chronicles 18:3

And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

1 Chronicles 18:9

¶ Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah;