1 Kings 11:24

And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them [of Zobah]: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

And he gathered {H6908} men {H582} unto him, and became captain {H8269} over a band {H1416}, when David {H1732} slew {H2026} them of Zobah: and they went {H3212} to Damascus {H1834}, and dwelt {H3427} therein, and reigned {H4427} in Damascus {H1834}.

when David killed the men from Tzovah. Rezon rallied men to himself and became the leader of a band of marauders; they went to Dammesek and settled there, while he became king of Dammesek.

and had gathered men to himself. When David killed the Zobaites, Rezon captained a band of raiders and went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control.

And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a troop, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 11:24

This verse introduces Rezon, another significant adversary God raised against King Solomon. Following a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity under Solomon's early reign, God became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned from the Lord. Solomon's many foreign wives led him into idolatry and the worship of pagan gods (1 Kings 11:4). As a direct consequence of this disobedience, God declared He would tear the kingdom from Solomon's son (1 Kings 11:11). Rezon is presented alongside Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14) as instruments of divine judgment against Solomon's unfaithfulness.

Rezon's backstory connects to the earlier reign of King David. He was an officer under Hadadezer, king of Zobah, a powerful Syrian kingdom. When King David decisively defeated Hadadezer's forces, Rezon escaped the slaughter. He eventually gathered a band of men, seized control of Damascus, and established himself as king, turning the city into a persistent base of opposition against Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Retribution and Consequences of Sin: Rezon's rise is a clear consequence of Solomon's spiritual decline. God, in His sovereignty, uses even seemingly independent political figures and historical events to fulfill His declared judgment against unfaithfulness. This highlights the biblical principle that sin inevitably brings adverse consequences, even for those who have been greatly blessed.
  • The Cost of Compromise: Solomon's compromises with foreign religions and his disregard for God's commands undermined the spiritual and political stability of his kingdom. The establishment of Rezon's hostile kingdom in Damascus became a constant threat to Israel, foreshadowing the eventual division and weakening of the united monarchy.
  • God's Control Over Nations: The narrative emphasizes God's ultimate authority to raise up and bring down rulers and nations. Rezon's ascent to power in Damascus was not merely a historical accident but part of God's overarching plan to discipline His people and fulfill His word, demonstrating that He is sovereign over all earthly kingdoms.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "slew them [of Zobah]" in the KJV text clarifies that "them" refers to the forces of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom led by Hadadezer, whom David defeated. The Hebrew simply states "when David slew them," relying on context from previous narratives like 2 Samuel 8:3-8 and 1 Chronicles 18:3-8. Rezon's title, "captain over a band," translates the Hebrew sar gedud (סָּר ַגבַוד), indicating a leader of a raiding party or a military troop, highlighting Rezon's emergence as a formidable and independent military figure.

Practical Application

1 Kings 11:24 serves as a powerful reminder that turning away from God, even after experiencing immense blessings and divine favor, invites adverse consequences. Just as Solomon's spiritual decline led to the rise of external threats like Rezon, our own compromises with worldly values and disobedience to God's word can create vulnerabilities in our lives, families, and communities. This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and obedience, recognizing that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or adversarial. It underscores the importance of loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might and seeking to obey His commands, as this is the true path to lasting security and blessing.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 10:8 (3 votes)

    And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, [were] by themselves in the field.

  • 2 Samuel 10:18 (3 votes)

    And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew [the men of] seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.

  • 1 Kings 20:34 (2 votes)

    And [Benhadad] said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then [said Ahab], I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.

  • Acts 9:2 (2 votes)

    And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

  • 1 Kings 19:15 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria:

  • Genesis 14:15 (2 votes)

    And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which [is] on the left hand of Damascus.