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This battle is a vengeance match. When David, Solomon's father was
in office, Joab, David's captain of the army, slew all the Edomites. [Many
of the bordering peoples who were enemies of Israel met this fate] Hadad,
at the time was a little child but with his father's servants fled to
Egypt where he remained "in exile". When Solomon took the throne, he began
to marry many wives of foreign kingdoms to help establish alliances, but
many of these wives worshipped false gods such as Ashtoreth and Milcom of
the Zidonians and Ammonites (11:5) and to please them, Solomon went so far
as to not just allow them their gods in Israel, but he at least paid token
respect to them. This brought Israel's defenses down, allowing Hadad to
rise back up again, now as a man, and threaten Israel The vengeance of
Hadad is reason for the battle: Israel's object was to put down the
uprising. Hadad had seen his people killed as a young child. In vs 18-19
it is noted that Hadad prospered in Egypt and was given wealth and the
right had of Pharoah. When Hadad hears of Joab and David's death, (vs21)
he petitions Pharoah, now his brother-in-law to return to Edom.
Strategies of the Battle
Hadad in exile grows strong and prepares allies and the ability to
battle.
Hadad returns to war against Israel when the victors against his
father are dead
Place of the Battle
The first battle when Israel defeated the Edomites was in Midian and
Paran
The battle(s) here appear to be constant : Hadad is a thorn in the
side of Solomon.
Intelligence
The only intelligence alluded to is when Hadad hears David and Joab
are dead.
Results of the Battle
Israel stays a nation throughout the reign of Solomon, although
becomes fractured.
Hadad is reported to (vs25) have caused "mischief".
Reward
Hadad is able to return to Edom and cause trouble for Israel
Spiritual Implications
Israel at war was often instructed when dealing with enemies who were
brutal to kill all including women and children. This was to prevent
vengeance uprisings, such as this. While Joab killed most, he did not kill
all, and Hadad, son of the King of Edom who was slain, flees to a foreign
country and grows strong and comes back.
Solomon committed sin against Israel God and himself by marrying
foreign wives.
Solomon committed sin against Israel, God, and himself by allowing his
wives heretical worship
Solomon committed sin against Israel, God and himself by worshipping
(vs5) Ashtoreth (Ishtar) god of the Zidonians and Milcom, the "abomination
of the Ammonites". This brings the wrath of God on his nation.
Solomon actually weakens Israel by these alliances, although for the
generation at hand it looks as though they are being built up
militarily.
Implications for Faith
While as born-again Christians we are not instructed to kill our
enemies, a new wisdom,being given us and made possible, there are times
when the reasoning here is appropriate. We in modern times often believe
in a false ecumenism in allowing all times and all ways as equal and they
are not. There are real enemies in the world who have given themselves
over to the destruction of us, the Word of God and all His Ways. God wants
us to love and pray for all, pleading for their salvation, but there are
times they must be solemny defeated, as peacefully as possible in order
for the Gospel to continue. This requires wisdom and prayer: when the
adversaries of our soul are allowed to have their way without us either
removing them or us from severe situations, the result can be deadly. The
are peaceful and yet forceful means of opposition, remembering that the
first battle is fought in prayer.
The Worship of false gods and religions is not acceptable before God:
all of scripture, New and Old teaches that. "All-join-hands" Christianity
is very naive, and while most believe it is God's way (often quoting
'blessed are the peacemakers') it is not. Peace at any price often begets
war rather than puts an end to it. Ecumenism and unity stop at the borders
of critical doctrine: Jesus either paid the price of sin or he did not: he
is either God or he is not, this is the stumbling block. We can find
common ground of love and discussion, but to link or participate in
worship we know is not of God is wrong. Participating in secular
organizations which are involved in 'New Age' practices or rituals, is
clearly taught against throughout the Word of God. The results are the
same as with Solomon: he probably did not think it was an important issue
because there is not evidence he really believed in the false gods, but
this sin eventually brings Israel down, breaks down her fences and leaves
her betrayed and undefensed. The "Hadads" of our own lives can cause
continuous mischief and lack of peace.
Cross-references & Other Critical Facts
1Hadad: the name means 'Mighty' (BLB) Married to the sister
of Tahpenes, Queen of Egypt. Son: Genubath, raised as one of Pharaoh's
sons.
The Battle referred to previously was in II Samuel 8 in which David
put garrisons in Syria and fought Hadadezer, king of Zobah, and Toi King
of Hamath. He moves to Moabl and Edom, border areas and again, fights
utterly victoriously, setting up strongholds against these enemies of
Israel. One is the battle Hadad flees from. David sought to recover the
borders of the Euphrates which extended north.
Leader: Rezon, Son of Eliadah, who escaped from Hadadezer,King of
Zobah (see Wars of
David)
People: Men of Zobah, a band gathered by Rezon, who went to live in
Damascus
Object of the Battle
Rezon's band rose up against the reign of Solomon. He abhorred
Israel, and reigned over Syria: the battles implied are more than one: he
was a proverbial thorn in the side of Israel, and he hated Israel.
Israel's object was defense.
Strategies of the Battle
This is a general series of battles or conflicts referred to and
suggest more that it was a war of constant terrorism out of hatred for
Israel and Solomon. IN II Samuel 8:3, David had gone to recover the
borders of the Euphrates in the Northern portion of the Kingdom and slew
Hadadezer in the process, the King of Zobah. Rezon, appears to have been a
part of the men of Zobah who were with Hadadezer in fighting David. He
still had the taste of defeat by Israel, and in the more quiet reign of
David's son, continued the harrassment and aggravation.
Place of the Battle
The Men of Zobah with Rezon went to live in Damascus, it intimates
that the skirmishes either occurred there, or came out of there where they
reigned. vs 11:24.
Intelligence
No intelligence is mentioned for the enemies of Israel
Results of the Battle
Rezon is never recorded as winning anything. It is obvious from the
rest of Scripture that Solomon remains steadfastly on the throne, and it
is not until his son's reign[Rehoboam] that the Kingdom divides. Rezon's
only gain appears to be the constant troubling of Israel in the same
region that David took back the borders.
Reward
There is no direct gain or reward mentioned, however Rezon is said to
rule Damascus, keeping at least dominion over part of Northern Israel
although it is technically still Israel's. vv22-23
Spiritual Implications
Solomon reigned firmly, and during most of his rule he had few wars or
aggravation. This is because he transgressed in the marriage and worship
practices of foreign wives in the case of Hadad, or in this case due to
the taking of a border held wrongfully by Israel's enemies. While it was
an Old Testament principle that the sins of the Father would be visited
upon the children, later the principle would become everyman responsible
for his own sin. There is always a consequence to the transgression of the
ways of God, some we are responsible for and some others are responsible
for: the troubling of Israel during an otherwise peaceful reign, was due
partly to both.
Implications for Faith
Even after battles, it is best to be cautiously weary of enemies who
lose.
Sin has consequences for generations.
Cross-references & Other Critical Facts
1David's Battle with Zobah:II Samuel 8:3. Rezon:"prince"
OB. Hadadezer: "Hadad is a help".- he was King of Zobah. Hadad:
"fierceness" [OB];
2 Damascus is the place of Paul's Conversion, on the
Damascus road, far in the future of this event. Abraham traveled through
here, and David captured it in his reign. It was taken in the Assyrian
Captivity. Elisha's prophecy of 2 Kings 8:7-15 is made there.
themselves.
Children/Army of Israel: first of the unified Kingdom, then in the
reign of Rehoboam: Judah
The Enemy's People & Leaders
Leader: Jeroboam: Son of Nebat: an Ephrathite of Zereda &
Zeruah
Object of the Battle
Jeroboam "lifted up his hand vs27" against the King for this
reason:
Solomon built Milo, and
"repaired the breaches of the city of David his Father". This is a
more minor troubling than the division of Israel which comes later in the
reign of Solomon's son Rehoboam. The 'lifting of the hand' here does not
become a war, it results in Solomon appointing him ruler over "all the
charge of the house of Joseph". A prophecy vs29-34 comes via the Prophet
Ahijah in which he foretells the reign of Jeroboam over the 10 tribes in
Northern Israel leaving the remnant to Judah. The later insurrection by
Jeroboam comes when Rehoboam levies taxes and burdens on Israel so heavy
that they cannot bear it, and Jeroboam in righteous protest divides the
Kingdom in revolt against Rehoboam [Ch.12:20] sees Jeroboam made King when
10 tribes decide they "have no part in David". This division though, while
a 'righteous' reaction to the oppression, was one of the greatest sins of
the Bible, and is hereafter referred to as the "Sins of Jeroboam, son of
Nebat". You don't divide Israel.
Strategies of the Battle
The initial 'uprising' of Jeroboam in the time of Solomon results in
the appointment of Jeroboam to the responsible position as head of a
tribe, ironically, the tribe of Joseph cut off from the other tribes in
Egypt. This seems to quell the initial 'lifting of the hand' and is said
to be because of Jeroboam's "industriousness". vs 28.
In the war of Jeroboam against Rehoboam, after Solomon's death, it is
in this order: a)Rehoboam, listening to bad advice, increases the burden
on Israel.
The People of 10 tribes rise up against Rehoboam declaring no
inheritance in Israel: they stone his emissary: Adoram.
The ten tribes appoint Jeroboam King, dividing the Kingdom, an
unspeakable sin in Israel.
Rehoboam appoints troops of 104,000 to fight against the North and
regain the 10 tribes and land for Israel. vs 12:21.
Shemaiah the 'man of God' prophesies to Rehoboam vs 24, that this
'thing' is from the Lord, and they are not to go up against the Northern
Tribes, so "everyone returned to his own house".
Jeroboam, in fear that the people will want to worship in Jerusalem
and return to Rehoboam sets up the second set of Golden Calves in Bethel
and Dan vs29, because he is afraid that if the people return to Jerusalem
and the House of David, they will kill him. This is another of Jeroboam's
sins.
He creates a false system of worship for the Northern Tribes,
emulating the true worship of God, but falling short of the Word, replete
with 'high place's and a priesthood that is not levitical.
Place of the Battle
The battle that almost takes place was to be in Israel, but it is
quelled by the prophecy of Shemaiah, and then Jeroboam goes to build
Penuel and Shechem, but only in emulation (see above). The ultimate battle
for Israel is one of the heart: it takes place at Bethel and Dan, where
the Calves and false priesthood are set up.
Intelligence
Direction for Battle here is unique in that it comes almost entirely
from prophesy: first of Ahijah to Jeroboam and secondly of Shemaiah to
Rehoboam: first to divide, then not to fight [presumably to divide
further].
Results of the Battle
Under Solomon, because of cautious handling, little consequence,except
that Jeroboam is brought further into power.
Adoram the tax collector is stoned.
The ten tribes divide from Israel, and Jeroboam is declared King
False worship in the name of the God of Israel is set up, but parodies
the true worship and is mixed with idolatry and baal worship. [Israel was
already rebuked in I kings 11:33 for forsaking God and worshipping
Ashtoreth, Chemosh and Milcom.]
Reward
Deemed a reward at first, Jeroboam takes over 10 tribes, but the
division becomes a curse.
False worship in the North
The Division and fall of Israel at Assyria's and Babylon's hand at a
later time
Spiritual Implications
Solomon at first handles things with worldly wisdom, always a
negotiator and peacemaker, and quells the angry young Jeroboam raised in
his household with a position of influence. This only servers to further
the potential split, as when Rehoboam, the rightful though oppressive
ruler and son of Solomon takes over, Jeroboam is declared King of the
rebellion.
Division in Israel only ever brought evil and harm.
A system of worship that is very similar to but does not follow God's
Word exactly, is no different than a false religion, and is in some ways
far more harmful because the emulation is often not identifiable until
late. Today, many religions use the jargon of Christianity, the symbols
and create rituals based on the Gospels but err so far from God's Word and
Doctrine on all else that many are easily deceived and believe they are
Christians because Christ is mentioned every Sunday. This is more
dangerous than an outright non-Christian religion where Christianity is
decried because there the lines are clearly delineated.
Implications for Faith
Peaceful solutions to anger and uprisings create temporal peaceful
circumstances.
Division in the House of God almost always leads to destructiveness
Oppression on the part of the leaders of God leads to Division
Emulations of Christ without Christ are far more dangerous than false
doctrines: blind ecumenism can destroy the House of God. The Word is
pre-eminent over appearances.
Cross-references & Other Critical Facts
1Jeroboam [OB]"May the People Increase; Nebat:"look" Jeroboam's Father. 2The Golden Calves Jeroboam set up many consider to be just 'idols' but these were typical of problems with modern worship:
the Calves were not suppose to be false gods, but symbols and representations of the true God, but God found them abominable. This is the
problem with modern idolatry: it is argued away as 'symbol' because it 'represents' the living God, but Scripture condemns even this as a
'graven image'. 3A note on heresy: This division between North and South, between Benjamin-Judah and the other 10 tribes is often the central issue
in certain White Aryan perversions of scripture: the northern tribes are said to be those who became Anglo-Saxon and migrated and are seen
as more 'favored' by God than the ancient Judah. British Israelism and Armstrongism and
other views include this distortion.
1Notes and Research by Brendan Best, E. Best footnotes and
references available upon request. orignal design by Brendan Best
(c)1999 Victory Over Amalekites:
1Rev.Gil Masengill; NC
2The Open Bible: King James Version. Thomas Nelson,
Publ.:Nashville; 1990.
all the Edomites. [Many
of the bordering peoples who were enemies of Israel met this fate] Hadad,
at the time was a little child but with his father's servants fled to
Egypt where he remained "in exile". When Solomon took the throne, he began
to marry many wives of foreign kingdoms to help establish alliances, but
many of these wives worshipped false gods such as Ashtoreth and Milcom of
the Zidonians and Ammonites (11:5) and to please them, Solomon went so far
as to not just allow them their gods in Israel, but he at least paid token
respect to them. This brought Israel's defenses down, allowing Hadad to
rise back up again, now as a man, and threaten Israel The vengeance of
Hadad is reason for the battle: Israel's object was to put down the
uprising. Hadad had seen his people killed as a young child. In vs 18-19
it is noted that Hadad prospered in Egypt and was given wealth and the
right had of Pharoah. When Hadad hears of Joab and David's death, (vs21)
he petitions Pharoah, now his brother-in-law to return to Edom.