1 Kings 11:23-25·~1 min
Rezon’s Hostility
God raises Rezon against Solomon after Rezon flees his former master, gathers followers, and takes Damascus. He remains an enemy to Israel throughout Solomon’s days, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad.
A23nd God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah, 24and 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. 25Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel.
Section summaryAnother adversary rises in Rezon, who gathers men, takes Damascus, and sustains hostility toward Israel. Solomon’s kingdom now faces trouble not only from within but also from the surrounding nations.
Role in the chapterThis brief section adds weight to the judgment already announced. It shows opposition hardening on another border and widening Solomon’s distress.