“And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.”
King James Version (KJV)
11:24 A band - Of soldiers, who fled upon that defeat,#2Sam 10:18|, and others who readily joined them, and livedby robbery; as many Arabians did. Damascus - And took it,whilst Solomon was wallowing in luxury.
11:25 All adversity - He was a secret enemy, all that time; and whenSolomon had forsaken God, he shewed himself openly. Beside - Thisinfelicity was added to the former; whilst Hadad molested him in thesouth, Rezon threatened him in the north. But what hurt could Hadador Rezon have done, to so powerful a king as Solomon, if he had notby sin made himself mean and weak? If God be on our side, we need not fearthe greatest adversary. But if he be against us, he can make us fear theleast: yea, the grasshopper shall be a burden. Syria - Over all thatpart of Syria, enlarging his empire the more, and thereby laying afoundation for much misery to Solomon's kingdom.
11:28 Charge - The taxes and tributes.