Old Testament
1 Kings 11:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God also raised up another enemy against Solomon: Rezon son of Eliada, who had deserted his master Hadadezer, king of Zobah.
Compare translations
And God stirred him up another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:
What 1 Kings 11:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see that God is actively involved in the events of Solomon's reign. He raises up Rezon, a new adversary, to challenge Solomon. Rezon had previously been a servant of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, but he chose to leave that allegiance. This act of defection highlights the shifting loyalties and the complexities of power during Solomon's rule. God’s actions remind us that He can use various means to fulfill His purposes, even through adversaries. The introduction of Rezon as an enemy serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Solomon's heart had begun to stray, and now he faces opposition that will test his leadership. This moment illustrates how external challenges can arise when we lose focus on our commitments and values. It’s a reminder that our choices can lead to unexpected consequences, both personally and in our relationships with others. God’s sovereignty is evident, as He orchestrates events to guide His people back to Him.
How to apply 1 Kings 11:23 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that they can serve a purpose in your life. Reflect on your commitments and ensure they align with your values. Adversity can be a catalyst for growth, pushing you to strengthen your faith and resolve. Embrace the lessons that come from difficult situations, as they can lead to deeper understanding and wisdom. Stay focused on your path, even when faced with opposition or distractions.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: Adversaries, and a Torn Cloak (1 Kings 11:14–40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 11:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 11:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 11:23 mean?
1 Kings 11:23 describes how God raised up Rezon, an enemy of Solomon, to challenge his reign. This indicates God's involvement in the political dynamics of the time and serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from Him.
Who is Rezon in 1 Kings 11:23?
Rezon is identified as the son of Eliada who became an adversary to Solomon after fleeing from Hadadezer, the king of Zobah. His defection highlights the shifting loyalties during Solomon's rule.
What is the significance of God raising up adversaries in 1 Kings 11:23?
The significance lies in the demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to use adversaries to fulfill His purposes. It serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from faithfulness.
What does the phrase 'stirred him up' mean in 1 Kings 11:23?
The phrase 'stirred him up' means that God instigated or provoked Rezon to become an adversary against Solomon. This reflects God's active role in influencing events and outcomes.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.