1 Kings 11:25

Verse

Rezon 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.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

He was a trouble to Israel all through the days of Solomon. And this is the damage Hadad did: he was cruel to Israel while he was ruler over Edom.

Free Bible Version

Rezon was Israel's enemy throughout Solomon's lifetime which added to the trouble Hadad caused. Rezon really hated Israel, and was the ruler of Aram.

Geneva Bible 1599

Therefore was he an aduersarie to Israel all the daies of Salomon: besides the euil that Hadad did, he also abhorred Israel, and reigned ouer Aram

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

All during the time that Solomon was alive, while Rezon was ruling not only Damascus but all of Syria, he was an enemy of Israel and caused trouble for Israel like Hadad did.

Unlocked Literal Bible

He was an enemy of Israel all the days of Solomon, along with the trouble that Hadad caused. Rezon abhorred Israel and reigned over Aram.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

He was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, in addition to the mischief of Hadad. He abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

Young's Literal Translation

and he is an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, (besides the evil that Hadad [did]), and he cutteth off in Israel, and reigneth over Aram.

Context

Rezon’s Hostility

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.

Summary

This verse speaks of a man named Jeroboam, who was a mighty and industrious man. Jeroboam caught the attention of King Solomon, who put him in charge of the forced labor from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Jeroboam's leadership abilities and hard work were recognized by Solomon, foreshadowing his future role as a significant figure in the division of the kingdom of Israel. This verse sets the stage for the events that will lead to Jeroboam becoming a central figure in the history of Israel.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Jeroboam the son of Nebat,.... According to some Jewish writers (r), this was Sheba the son of Bichri; but, as Kimchi observes, he was of the tribe of Benjamin, this of Ephraim; and besides, his head was cut off, and thrown over the wall to Joab, Sa2 20:1, an Ephrathite of Zereda; some where in the tribe of Ephraim, but nowhere else mentioned. There was a famous Jewish doctor, before the times of Christ, of this place, as it seems, who was called Jose ben Joezer, a man of Zereda (s): Solomon's servant; not only his subject, but one that had been advanced by him to an office, and served under him, Kg1 11:28, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman; who very probably was supported by this her son, an industrious and ingenious man: even he lifted up his hand against the king; either against Solomon, by reproaching and reproving him for some things he did; or rather against Rehoboam his son, which was very ungrateful. (r) Shalshalet Hakabala, p. 11. (s) Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 4.