1 Kings 11:17

That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad [being] yet a little child.

That Hadad {H111} fled {H1272}, he and certain {H582} Edomites {H130} of his father's {H1} servants {H5650} with him, to go {H935} into Egypt {H4714}; Hadad {H1908} being yet a little {H6996} child {H5288}.

Hadad had fled, he and a number of Edomi servants of his father's with him, and gone into Egypt; at the time Hadad had been but a small boy.

But Hadad, still just a young boy, had fled to Egypt, along with some Edomites who were servants of his father.

that Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him, to go into Egypt, Hadad being yet a little child.

Context of 1 Kings 11:17

This verse introduces Hadad, an Edomite prince, as one of the adversaries God raised against King Solomon. The broader context of 1 Kings chapter 11 details Solomon's decline from faithfulness due to his many foreign wives and their idolatrous practices. As a consequence of Solomon's disobedience, God declares He will tear the kingdom from him (1 Kings 11:11-13). Hadad is the first of these adversaries mentioned (1 Kings 11:14).

Hadad's flight stemmed from a period of conflict during the reign of King David, Solomon's father. After David conquered Edom, his general Joab, stayed there for six months, systematically killing every male in Edom (1 Kings 11:15-16). As a result of this brutal campaign, Hadad, "being yet a little child," was taken by some of his father's servants and fled to Egypt, where he found refuge and was eventually given a prominent position by Pharaoh.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: This verse highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, even raising up enemies to fulfill His purposes. Hadad's survival and subsequent rise were not mere chance but part of God's plan to bring judgment upon Solomon for his unfaithfulness. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and kings.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The narrative arc of Solomon's reign, culminating in these adversaries, serves as a powerful reminder that even great blessings and wisdom do not exempt one from the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's commands.
  • Preservation in Adversity: The miraculous preservation of Hadad as a "little child" amidst a widespread massacre underscores a theme of divine protection, even for those who will later become instruments of judgment. His escape to Egypt, a common place of refuge in the ancient world, echoes similar journeys in biblical history (e.g., Abraham, Jesus' family).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Hadad [being] yet a little child" uses the Hebrew term na'ar qaton (נַעַר קָטֹן). Na'ar can refer to a boy or young man, and qaton means small or young. The combination emphasizes Hadad's extreme youth and vulnerability at the time of his escape. This detail highlights the urgency and desperation of his flight, as well as the remarkable providence that preserved him to later become a significant threat to Israel.

Practical Application

The story of Hadad serves as a sober reminder that God is just and holds His people accountable. For believers today, it underscores the importance of continued faithfulness and obedience, even when blessed with prosperity and peace. It also reminds us that God is at work even in seemingly negative circumstances, using various means—including adversaries—to bring about His will and correct His people. We can trust in His ultimate control over all things, even when His methods are challenging to understand.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Kings 11:2

    But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons [which were] slain; and they hid him, [even] him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

  • Matthew 2:13

    ¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

  • Matthew 2:14

    When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

  • Exodus 2:1

    ¶ And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took [to wife] a daughter of Levi.

  • Exodus 2:10

    And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

  • 2 Samuel 4:4

    And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth.
← Back