What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:23? And God raised up against Solomon - The verse opens by stating plainly that the LORD Himself initiated this opposition. Scripture consistently shows that when a king turns from obedience, God acts to correct him (1 Kings 11:14; Deuteronomy 28:25; 2 Samuel 12:11). - Solomon’s idolatry in the earlier part of the chapter invites divine discipline. The narrative makes it clear that political turbulence is not chance; it is God’s deliberate response to covenant violation (1 Kings 11:9–13). - This reminds us that God remains sovereign over nations and rulers, directing history to uphold His righteousness (Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 21:1). another adversary - “Another” signals that Rezon is the second divinely appointed foe after Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14). Multiple adversaries emphasize persistent correction rather than a single isolated incident. - An “adversary” is one who opposes, frustrates, or harasses. In Solomon’s case, God uses external pressure to expose internal compromise (1 Kings 5:4; Psalm 106:41–42). - The pattern echoes what God later allows with Israel’s enemies when the nation drifts into idolatry (Judges 2:14–15). Rezon the son of Eliada - By naming Rezon and his father, the text underlines that this was a real historical figure, not a symbol or myth. The Bible grounds spiritual lessons in verifiable events, underscoring its trustworthiness (Luke 3:1–2; 2 Peter 1:16). - Rezon’s background contrasts with Solomon’s royal birth: one rises from obscurity; the other squanders inherited blessing. God can elevate anyone He chooses to accomplish His purposes (1 Samuel 2:7–8). - Rezon eventually becomes king in Damascus (1 Kings 11:24–25), posing a northern threat that foreshadows later Aramean conflicts with Israel (1 Kings 15:18; 2 Kings 6:8). who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah - Rezon’s flight occurred during David’s campaigns against Hadadezer (2 Samuel 8:3–8; 1 Chronicles 18:3–8). While David’s victories dismantled Zobah’s power, they inadvertently set the stage for Rezon’s rise. - The detail shows God working through the ripple effects of earlier events; nothing is random in His providence (Romans 8:28; Isaiah 46:10–11). - Rezon gathers men, becomes their leader, and occupies Damascus (1 Kings 11:24). His grudge against Israel grows from personal exile into national hostility, illustrating how unchecked bitterness can shape entire kingdoms. summary 1 Kings 11:23 records God Himself stirring up Rezon to trouble Solomon. The verse teaches that the LORD governs world affairs, using even discontented exiles to chasten a wayward king. What seems like political upheaval is, in reality, divine discipline aimed at recalling Solomon—and us—to wholehearted faithfulness. |
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