Topical Encyclopedia Hadad, a notable figure in the Old Testament, emerges as a prince of Edom and a significant adversary to King Solomon. His account is primarily recounted in 1 Kings 11:14-22, where he is depicted as a persistent thorn in the side of the Israelite monarchy during Solomon's reign.Background and Early Life Hadad was of royal lineage, born into the Edomite royal family. His life took a dramatic turn during the reign of King David, when Joab, the commander of David's army, executed a campaign against Edom. This military action resulted in the near annihilation of the male population of Edom, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:15-16: "For Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom." As a young child, Hadad managed to escape this massacre. He fled to Egypt, accompanied by some of his father's servants. In Egypt, Hadad found refuge and favor in the eyes of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh not only provided Hadad with a safe haven but also bestowed upon him a house, land, and sustenance. Furthermore, Hadad was given in marriage to the sister of Pharaoh's wife, Queen Tahpenes, which further solidified his status and influence in Egypt (1 Kings 11:18-19). Return to Edom and Opposition to Solomon After the death of David and the establishment of Solomon's reign, Hadad saw an opportunity to return to his homeland. His desire to reclaim his position and heritage in Edom was fueled by the news of David's death and Joab's demise. Hadad approached Pharaoh with a request to return to Edom, which Pharaoh granted, despite the comfort and privileges Hadad enjoyed in Egypt (1 Kings 11:21-22). Upon his return, Hadad became a formidable adversary to Solomon. His opposition was part of a divine orchestration, as the Lord raised Hadad as an adversary against Solomon due to Solomon's turning away from God and his idolatrous practices. 1 Kings 11:14 states, "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom." Significance in Biblical Narrative Hadad's role as an adversary to Solomon underscores the theme of divine retribution and the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. Solomon's alliances through marriage with foreign women led him to idolatry, provoking the Lord to raise adversaries against him, including Hadad. This narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the potential repercussions of straying from His path. Hadad's account also highlights the enduring enmity between Israel and Edom, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. The historical and prophetic tensions between these two nations are emblematic of the broader struggles between the descendants of Jacob and Esau. In summary, Hadad's life and actions are intricately woven into the fabric of Israel's history, serving as both a historical account and a theological lesson on the sovereignty of God and the importance of covenant faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 11:14-22,25And the LORD stirred up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Asa in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Syria/Aram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hadad: A Prince of Edom: Adversary of Solomon Hadad: A Son of Ishmael: Called Hadar In Hadad: A Successor of Husham As King of Edom: Vanquished the Midianites on the Field of Moab Hadad: Successor of Baal-Hanan, King of Edom Hadad: Successor of Baal-Hanan, King of Edom: Called Hadar In Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) Representatives (26 Occurrences) |
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