1 Kings 11:21
When Hadad heard in Egypt that David had rested with his fathers and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, he said to Pharaoh, "Let me go, that I may return to my own country."
When Hadad heard in Egypt
The name "Hadad" is of Semitic origin, often associated with a storm god in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Hadad's presence in Egypt signifies a period of refuge, as Egypt was a common place of asylum for those fleeing political turmoil in Israel. This phrase sets the stage for Hadad's awareness of a significant political shift, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern politics.

that David rested with his fathers
The phrase "rested with his fathers" is a Hebrew idiom for death, emphasizing the continuity of life and legacy in the context of family and ancestry. David's death marks the end of a significant era in Israel's history, as he was a king after God's own heart, whose reign was characterized by military success and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

and that Joab the commander of the army was dead
Joab, a formidable military leader and nephew of King David, played a crucial role in securing David's kingdom. His death signifies a weakening of the military might and stability that characterized David's reign. Joab's complex character, marked by loyalty and ruthlessness, is a reminder of the human element in divine plans, where God uses imperfect people to fulfill His purposes.

he said to Pharaoh
Pharaoh, the title for the king of Egypt, represents a powerful ally or adversary in the biblical narrative. Hadad's approach to Pharaoh indicates a strategic move, seeking permission and support to return to his homeland. This interaction underscores the diplomatic relationships between Israel and Egypt, which were often marked by treaties, marriages, and political maneuvering.

Let me go, that I may return to my own country
Hadad's request to return to his own country reflects a deep-seated desire for identity and belonging. The longing to return home is a universal theme, resonating with the biblical narrative of exile and return. It also foreshadows the political unrest that Solomon would face, as Hadad's return would contribute to the adversities that arose during Solomon's reign, fulfilling God's word about the consequences of Solomon's disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hadad
A member of the Edomite royal family who fled to Egypt as a child when David's army conquered Edom. He represents a remnant of David's unfinished business, a potential threat to Solomon's kingdom.

2. Egypt
The place of refuge for Hadad. Egypt often symbolizes a place of exile or refuge in the Bible, but also a place of potential temptation and idolatry.

3. David
The former king of Israel, whose death marks a transition in leadership and a potential shift in political alliances and threats.

4. Joab
The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David. His death signifies a loss of military strength and stability for Israel.

5. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who provides asylum to Hadad. His role highlights the political dynamics between Israel and Egypt.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Unfinished Business
David's incomplete conquest of Edom left a lingering threat. In our lives, unresolved issues can resurface and challenge us if not addressed.

The Impact of Leadership Transitions
The deaths of David and Joab created a power vacuum. Leadership changes can lead to instability and require careful navigation.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Despite human plans, God can use adversaries to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Hadad's return. Trust in God's sovereignty even when facing opposition.

The Role of Refuge and Exile
Hadad's time in Egypt reflects the dual nature of refuge as both a place of safety and potential spiritual danger. Consider where you seek refuge and its impact on your faith.

The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
Solomon's reign was marked by external threats due to internal disobedience. Spiritual vigilance is crucial to maintaining God's favor and protection.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hadad's return to Edom illustrate the consequences of unresolved issues in our own lives?

2. In what ways can leadership transitions in our communities or churches lead to both challenges and opportunities for growth?

3. How can we discern God's hand in the adversities we face, and what steps can we take to align ourselves with His purposes?

4. Reflect on a time when you sought refuge in something other than God. What were the outcomes, and how can you ensure your refuge is in Him alone?

5. How can we maintain spiritual vigilance in our personal lives to prevent external threats from exploiting internal weaknesses?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 8:13-14
This passage describes David's victories over Edom, which set the stage for Hadad's flight to Egypt. It highlights the historical context of Hadad's animosity towards Israel.

Exodus 1:8-10
The new Pharaoh's ignorance of Joseph's contributions to Egypt parallels the shifting political alliances and the potential for conflict between Israel and Egypt.

1 Kings 11:14-25
This broader context of 1 Kings 11 describes how God raised adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad, as a consequence of Solomon's disobedience.
Divine ImpulsesJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 11:14-22
Premonitions of WrathJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 11:14-25
The Divine ChastisementsJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 11:14-25
A Few Turns of a KaleidoscopeJ. M'Neill.1 Kings 11:21-22
Hadad the Edomite (Love of Country)J. Ker, D. D.1 Kings 11:21-22
Hadad: the Pressure of DestinyJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 11:21-22
Patriotic SentimentW. Hoyt, D. D.1 Kings 11:21-22
People
Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, Zidonians
Places
Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, Zobah
Topics
Army, Captain, Commander, David, Dead, Depart, Egypt, Fathers, Hadad, Host, Joab, Jo'ab, Lain, News, Pharaoh, Rest, Rested, Return, Slept
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 11:14-26

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

Library
The New Garment Bent
'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. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute.
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks

"When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896

Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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