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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 11:23. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic verse in the Old Testament that sets up a major conflict. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is angry: The verse starts with God being very upset, saying “And God stirred him up [another] adversary…” This suggests a significant problem has occurred. Rezon the Son of Eliadah: This identifies the person involved as Rezon, who was previously a servant of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah. "Son of Eliadah" means he was a relative of Hadadezer’s. Fled from his lord: The key word here is “fled.” He left his position and responsibility with Hadadezer. This is a big deal – it suggests he was disobeying him or escaping punishment. What's Happening? This verse points to a conflict that’s about to escalate. God is deliberately setting up a situation where Rezon will become a problem for the entire kingdom. It’s like a storm brewing; something bad is about to happen. Possible Interpretations (without going into deep theological detail): Rezon's Rebellion: The most common interpretation is that Rezon is rebelling against God and his authority. He might be challenging Hadadezer's rule or trying to do something that’s considered sinful. A Political Threat: It could also be a warning about a larger political threat – a leader who is plotting against the king. Why it's important: This verse establishes a foundation for later events in the Bible, particularly regarding the division of the kingdom and the rise of David. It’s a pivotal moment where God chooses to intervene and set things in motion towards conflict. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and there are different ways to interpret it. However, this explanation gives you a basic understanding of what's happening in the verse and its significance within the biblical narrative. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Kings 11? Discuss the context of this passage (like the previous events leading up to it)? Provide a slightly deeper explanation of the meaning behind "stirred him up"?