And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

1 KINGS 11:23KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 11:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 11:23 mean?

1 Kings 11:23 says that God caused another enemy to rise up against King Solomon: Rezon, the son of Eliadah, who had previously escaped from his master, Hadadezer, the king of Zobah. This verse shows that Solomon faced growing opposition as a result of his actions.

The setting is the later part of Solomon’s reign, as the Bible describes how his turning away from God led to trouble for his kingdom. The verse is part of a list of adversaries God allowed to challenge Solomon, highlighting that Rezon was not just a random enemy, but someone whose rise was connected to God’s response to Solomon’s choices.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 11:23

  • The word for "God" is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430), which often emphasizes God’s power and authority. Here, it underscores that these events are not accidental but are directed by God.
  • The word for "adversary" is שָּׂטָן (satan, H7854), which means an opponent or one who opposes. This is the same root as the word later used for "Satan," but here it simply means an enemy or rival.
  • The verb "stirred up" is קוּם (qum, H6965), meaning to raise up or cause to arise. This shows that God actively brought about this new opposition, rather than it happening by chance.

Why 1 Kings 11:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the troubles Solomon faced were not just political accidents but were understood as consequences allowed or caused by God in response to Solomon’s unfaithfulness.
  • The mention of Rezon’s background—fleeing from Hadadezer—connects him to earlier conflicts in Israel’s history, showing that old enemies and unresolved issues can resurface.
  • The verse fits into a larger theme in 1 Kings 11, where God’s judgment on Solomon is shown through the rise of adversaries, making clear that leadership and faithfulness are closely linked in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Eliadah” Hebrew H450 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:8 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.

“Hadadezer” Hebrew H1909 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:3 David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.
  • 2 Samuel 8:7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
  • 2 Samuel 8:9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

“Zobah” Hebrew H6678 · used in 12 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:47 So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.
  • 2 Samuel 8:12 Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:3 And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

“adversary” Hebrew H7854 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 22:22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.
  • Job 2:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.