1 Kings 11:24

“And he gathered men unto him, etc.] Perhaps some of the scattered forces of his master: and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah; some that escaped enlisted under this man, and lived by plunder the remainder of David’s reign, and so in the reign of Solomon unto his old age, when his heart was turned away from God to idols, by his wives: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus; Rezon and his men went thither, not in David’s time, for he put a garrison there, (<100806>2 Samuel 8:6) but towards the close of Solomon’s days, and when Hadad set up in Edom, which gave him the hint to do the same at Damascus, of which he became king, and was the…”

“And (they) reigned - A very slight emendation gives the sense, “they made him king at Damascus.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“A band - Of soldiers, who fled upon that defeat, Sa2 10:18, and others who readily joined them, and lived by robbery; as many Arabians did. Damascus - And took it, whilst Solomon was wallowing in luxury. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 11:25”

“to Damascus: Kg1 19:15, Kg1 20:34; Gen 14:15; Act 9:2 in Damascus: Damascus, called also Damesk, but generally El Sham, by the Arabs, is situated in a delightful plain, well watered by the Barrada, at the eastern foot of Antilibanus, being surrounded by the hills in the form of a triumphal arch, 136 miles n of Jerusalem, 195 s of Antioch, and 276 ssw of Diarbekir. It is a city of the highest antiquity, being at least as ancient as the time of Abraham. it has been often captured, and several times demolished, but has always risen to splendour and dignity. The modern town is described by Maundrell as of a long, straight figure, it ends pointing nearly ne and sw It is very slender in the…”