1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 23
And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֨קֶם
stirred him up
H6965
וַיָּ֨קֶם
stirred him up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
And God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
And God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
שָׂטָ֔ן
another adversary
H7854
שָׂטָ֔ן
another adversary
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
4 of 15
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶלְיָדָ֑ע
of Eliadah
H450
אֶלְיָדָ֑ע
of Eliadah
Strong's:
H450
Word #:
8 of 15
eljada, the name of two israelites and of an aramaean leader
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מֵאֵ֛ת
H853
מֵאֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֲדַדְעֶ֥זֶר
Hadadezer
H1909
הֲדַדְעֶ֥זֶר
Hadadezer
Strong's:
H1909
Word #:
12 of 15
hadadezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.