1 Kings 11 25

1 Kings 11:25 kjv

And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

1 Kings 11:25 nkjv

He was an adversary of Israel all the days of Solomon (besides the trouble that Hadad caused); and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

1 Kings 11:25 niv

Rezon was Israel's adversary as long as Solomon lived, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled in Aram and was hostile toward Israel.

1 Kings 11:25 esv

He was an adversary of Israel all the days of Solomon, doing harm as Hadad did. And he loathed Israel and reigned over Syria.

1 Kings 11:25 nlt

Rezon was Israel's bitter adversary for the rest of Solomon's reign, and he made trouble, just as Hadad did. Rezon hated Israel intensely and continued to reign in Aram.

1 Kings 11 verses

1 Kings 11 25 Meaning

1 Kings 11:25 reveals Rezon of Zobah as a persistent adversary to Israel throughout Solomon's reign. This antagonism existed concurrently with the trouble instigated by Hadad the Edomite. Rezon harbored a deep animosity towards Israel and successfully established his rule over Aram, specifically based in Damascus, further contributing to the national unrest. This verse underscores the divine judgment against Solomon for his disobedience and idolatry, as God "raised up adversaries" (1 Ki 11:14) against him.

1 Kings 11 25 Context

1 Kings chapter 11 marks a crucial turning point in Solomon's reign, pivoting from a period of unprecedented wisdom, wealth, and peace (Ch. 1-10) to one of divine judgment and rising adversaries. Verses 1-8 detail Solomon's profound spiritual failure: he multiplied foreign wives (contra Dt 17:17), who turned his heart after other gods, building high places for idols. Consequently, God, who had appeared to Solomon twice (1 Ki 3:5; 9:2), became angry and declared He would tear the kingdom from his hand, though not in Solomon's lifetime for David's sake (1 Ki 11:9-13). Verses 14-25 specifically enumerate these "adversaries" (Hebrew: satan, in the sense of an opponent or antagonist) raised up by the Lord: Hadad the Edomite (1 Ki 11:14-22) and Rezon of Zobah (1 Ki 11:23-25). Verse 25 succinctly summarizes Rezon's persistent opposition. The overarching context highlights the conditional nature of God's blessings upon Solomon's reign, directly linking the presence of these external threats to Solomon's personal apostasy. It also implicitly sets the stage for the kingdom's division after Solomon's death, emphasizing that internal and external strife began under his rule.

1 Kings 11 25 Word analysis

• And he was: Refers to Rezon, introduced in the preceding verses (1 Ki 11:23-24) as one who had fled from Hadadezer, king of Zobah, and eventually established himself in Damascus.
• an adversary: Hebrew: śāṭān (שָׂטָן). This term signifies an "opponent," "accuser," or "one who resists." While also used for the spiritual Adversary (Satan), here it describes a human foe raised up by God to fulfill His judgment. Its use emphasizes persistent, calculated opposition rather than mere conflict. This echoes God's stated intention to "raise up an adversary" (1 Ki 11:14).
• to Israel: Refers to the unified kingdom under Solomon, encompassing all the tribes, particularly those territories bordering Damascus to the north.
• all the days of Solomon: Indicates the duration of Rezon's hostility. It implies a sustained threat that contradicted the image of Solomon's kingdom as universally peaceful. It serves as a subtle polemic against the perception of a completely idyllic and unbroken reign, showing the divine hand of judgment already at work.
• besides the trouble: Hebrew: ‘al-ha-rā‘āh (עַל־הָרָעָה). Signifies "in addition to the evil/trouble/calamity." This points to a multiplicity of divine judgments, not a singular affliction, underscoring the severity of Solomon's transgression.
• that Hadad caused: Refers to Hadad the Edomite, whose rebellion and constant vexation of Israel were described in 1 Ki 11:14-22. This phrase highlights that Solomon faced concurrent and independent threats from different directions (Edom to the south/east, Aram to the north).
• And he abhorred: Hebrew: wayyiqoṭ (וַיָּקֹץ). A strong verb meaning "to loathe," "detest," "abhor," "to be disgusted by." It signifies a deep-seated hatred and aversion, more than just political rivalry, indicative of personal and national animosity that would fuel sustained conflict.
• Israel: The people and nation of God, against whom Rezon's hatred was directed.
• and reigned over Syria: Specifically Damascus, which was the capital of Aram. Rezon's consolidation of power there meant a formidable and hostile kingdom bordering Israel's northern territories, particularly impacting later generations.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon": This phrase succinctly states Rezon's continuous role as a divinely appointed opposer, highlighting the breakdown of the promised peace under Solomon. It challenges the common narrative of Solomon's entire reign being one of unchallenged prosperity and peace.
• "besides the trouble that Hadad caused": This emphasizes the composite nature of God's judgment. The Lord did not raise up just one enemy, but multiple, from various regions, illustrating a comprehensive judgment against Solomon's widespread apostasy and foreign entanglements. It serves to show God's layered punitive actions.
• "And he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria": This portrays Rezon's deep animosity as the motivation behind his political power. His hatred fueled his ambition to establish and maintain a hostile state on Israel's border, cementing a long-term threat to the security and peace of the united kingdom and its subsequent divisions.

1 Kings 11 25 Bonus section

The raising of these adversaries against Solomon serves as a potent theological statement about God's sovereignty over nations and human rulers. Even enemies are instruments in His hand to fulfill His purposes, whether in judgment or eventual redemption. This period of Solomon's decline and the rise of external threats provides context for later prophetic warnings to Judah and Israel. The continued enmity from Aram (Syria) under Rezon and his successors would become a persistent thorn in the side of the Northern Kingdom, influencing much of Israel's foreign policy and internal struggles for centuries (e.g., in the time of Omri, Ahab, Elisha, and Jehu). Rezon's establishment of a firm kingdom in Damascus created a powerful regional adversary that would constantly challenge the territorial integrity and political stability of God's people.

1 Kings 11 25 Commentary

1 Kings 11:25 functions as a concise summary of the enduring menace posed by Rezon, completing the biblical narrative of the two primary human adversaries God raised against Solomon. Far from being a random historical incident, Rezon's persistent enmity and the simultaneous threat from Hadad are presented as direct, divinely orchestrated consequences of Solomon's turning away from the Lord (1 Ki 11:9-13). Despite the glorious reputation of Solomon's kingdom, this verse underscores the reality that his latter years were marred by escalating external pressures, foreshadowing the kingdom's imminent division. It reminds us that divine blessings are conditional upon obedience and that even great power and wisdom cannot circumvent God's disciplinary hand when covenantal fidelity is forsaken. The presence of these determined enemies was not merely a political nuisance but a profound spiritual consequence, a constant reminder that God's favor had been withdrawn due to idolatry and disobedience.Example: Just as a parent's clear warnings about house rules are followed by consequences when broken, even for a beloved child, God's clear covenant stipulations to Solomon (and Israel) were met with the harsh realities of adversaries when disregarded.