1 Kings 11:19

KJV

And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hadad {H1908} found {H4672} great {H3966} favour {H2580} in the sight {H5869} of Pharaoh {H6547}, so that he gave {H5414} him to wife {H802} the sister {H269} of his own wife {H802}, the sister {H269} of Tahpenes {H8472} the queen {H1377}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hadad became a great favorite of Pharaoh, so that he gave him his own wife's sister in marriage, that is, the sister of Tachp'neis the queen.

Berean Standard Bible

There Hadad found such great favor in the sight of Pharaoh that he gave to him in marriage the sister of Queen Tahpenes, his own wife.

American Standard Version

And Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:19 details the significant elevation of Hadad the Edomite within the Egyptian royal court, highlighting that he "found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh." This favor culminated in a prestigious political marriage, as Pharaoh gave Hadad his own queen's sister, Tahpenes's sister, as a wife. This development was crucial in establishing Hadad's power base and influence, positioning him as a formidable adversary God would raise against King Solomon due to Solomon's spiritual decline and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of King Solomon's spiritual apostasy and God's subsequent judgment, detailed in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "Solomon's Apostasy and God's Judgment"). Following a description of Solomon's many foreign wives and his turning away from the Lord to worship other gods ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry")), God declares His intention to tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand, though not entirely during Solomon's lifetime for the sake of David ([1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "God's Judgment on Solomon")). The narrative then immediately introduces the adversaries God would raise up, beginning with Hadad the Edomite ([1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "God Raises Adversaries")). Verses [1 Kings 11:15-18](/1_kings/11-15 "Hadad's Flight to Egypt") recount Hadad's flight to Egypt as a child during David's conquest of Edom, setting the stage for his integration into Egyptian society. Verse [1 Kings 11:19](/1_kings/11-19 "Hadad's Marriage to Pharaoh's Sister-in-Law") marks the climax of Hadad's ascent in Egypt, solidifying his status and preparing him for his future role as an instrument of divine judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, royal marriages were not merely personal unions but highly strategic political alliances, designed to forge bonds, secure peace, or consolidate power between kingdoms. Pharaohs of Egypt were immensely powerful rulers, and their court was a significant center of international diplomacy and refuge for political exiles. For Pharaoh to give his own queen's sister in marriage to Hadad, an Edomite refugee, was an extraordinary gesture. It signified not only a deep level of trust and personal favor but also a profound integration of Hadad into the highest echelons of Egyptian royalty. This act would have been understood as a clear endorsement and a powerful statement of support, elevating Hadad's standing far beyond that of a mere exile and positioning him as a legitimate figure with royal connections, capable of challenging regional powers like Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Reign of Kings"):
* **Divine Judgment and Consequences of Disobedience:** Hadad's rise is explicitly presented as a direct consequence of Solomon's unfaithfulness to the covenant, demonstrating God's active involvement in bringing judgment upon His disobedient people and their leaders. God's declaration in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "God's Promise to Tear the Kingdom") is being fulfilled through seemingly secular political events.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Rulers:** Even the actions of powerful foreign kings like Pharaoh, and the seemingly random fortunes of an exile like Hadad, are depicted as being under God's ultimate control. God "raised up" Hadad ([1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "God Raises Adversaries")) to serve His purposes, highlighting that human political maneuvering and power dynamics are ultimately subject to divine will, as also seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand").
* **Political Marriages and Alliances:** The strategic importance of royal marriages in the ancient world is underscored. While Solomon's own foreign marriages led to his downfall, Hadad's marriage to a member of Pharaoh's family served to strengthen his position and legitimize his future challenge to Israel, showcasing the dual nature of such alliances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _ḥēn_):** The Hebrew word חֵן (_ḥēn_) is often translated as "grace," "favor," "charm," or "kindness." In this context, it signifies a deep, unmerited acceptance and preferential treatment that Hadad received from Pharaoh. It implies that Hadad not only found refuge but genuinely earned the personal regard and trust of the Egyptian monarch, opening doors to integration and elevation that would otherwise be impossible for a foreign refugee. This was more than mere political expediency; it was a personal connection that led to profound social and political advancement.
* **Pharaoh (Egyptian, _pr-ʿ3_):** This title refers to the king of Egypt, a figure of immense power and divine authority in the ancient world. The specific Pharaoh is not named, but his actions here demonstrate the absolute power of the Egyptian monarchy. His decision to grant Hadad such high favor and a royal marriage highlights the strategic importance Egypt placed on Hadad, perhaps seeing him as a potential ally or a useful pawn in regional politics, all while unknowingly serving God's overarching plan.
* **Tahpenes (Egyptian, _Tȝ-ḥp.n-s_):** Identified as "the queen," Tahpenes was likely the chief wife of the reigning Pharaoh. The fact that Hadad was given her sister in marriage underscores the extraordinary nature of his elevation. This was not a minor wife or concubine, but a direct blood relative of the queen, placing Hadad firmly within the inner circle of the Egyptian royal family and granting him unparalleled status and legitimacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh":** This clause establishes the central premise of Hadad's ascent. The "great favour" (חֵן גָּדֹול, _ḥēn gāḏôl_) indicates an exceptional degree of acceptance and goodwill, far beyond simple hospitality. It suggests a personal bond and trust that Pharaoh developed for Hadad, leading to his integration into the royal court. This favor is the foundation upon which Hadad's future influence is built.
* **"so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife":** This is the direct consequence and ultimate expression of Pharaoh's "great favour." The act of giving a royal relative in marriage was the highest form of political alliance and personal endorsement in the ancient Near East. It signifies that Hadad was not merely a guest but had become a trusted member of the royal household, now connected by blood to the most powerful family in Egypt.
* **"the sister of Tahpenes the queen":** This final phrase specifies the exact status of Hadad's new wife, emphasizing the prestige of the union. By marrying the sister of Pharaoh's chief wife, Hadad gained an unparalleled level of legitimacy and a direct link to the highest echelons of Egyptian power. This marriage was a strategic move that solidified Hadad's position and equipped him with the resources and connections necessary to fulfill his divinely appointed role as an adversary to Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Kings 11:19](/1_kings/11-19 "Hadad's Marriage to Pharaoh's Sister-in-Law") employs several powerful literary devices. There is a strong element of **Irony** present: King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and for forging alliances through strategic marriages, is now facing an adversary whose power and legitimacy are solidified through a similar, highly prestigious marriage orchestrated by a foreign king. This mirrors Solomon's own methods but is turned against him as a consequence of his sin. The verse also functions as clear **Foreshadowing**, signaling Hadad's future role as a significant threat to Solomon's kingdom. The detailed account of Hadad's rise, culminating in this royal marriage, builds narrative tension and prepares the reader for the inevitable conflict. Furthermore, the broader narrative context of [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "Solomon's Apostasy and God's Judgment") imbues this seemingly secular political event with **Divine Sovereignty**. While God is not explicitly mentioned as the actor in this specific verse, the preceding declaration in [1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "God Raises Adversaries") frames Hadad's entire ascent, including this marriage, as part of God's orchestrated judgment against Solomon, making it a demonstration of God's hidden hand at work in the affairs of nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The elevation of Hadad in Egypt, culminating in his marriage to the queen's sister, is a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty and the consequences of covenant disobedience. This event is not a random political occurrence but a direct outworking of God's judgment against Solomon for his idolatry and unfaithfulness. It demonstrates that God orchestrates even the seemingly independent actions of foreign rulers and the fortunes of exiles to accomplish His divine purposes. The Lord raises up adversaries, and He prepares them, even through means of favor and political alliances, to fulfill His will. This narrative thread serves as a powerful reminder that turning away from God can lead to instability and external threats, as God uses various means to call His people back to Himself or to bring about deserved judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that no power, human or political, operates outside the purview of God's ultimate control.

* [1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "God Raises Adversaries")
* [Deuteronomy 28:43-44](/deuteronomy/28-43 "Foreigners Rise Above")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Hadad's rise in Egypt, culminating in this prestigious marriage, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's sovereignty extends far beyond the immediate spiritual realm, reaching into the intricate webs of international politics, personal relationships, and seemingly random events. Even when circumstances appear to be purely secular or adversarial, God may be working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes, whether for judgment, correction, or the advancement of His kingdom. This should foster a deep trust in God's overarching plan, even when our own lives or the world around us seem chaotic or unjust. Furthermore, Solomon's story, with Hadad as a consequence, serves as a powerful cautionary tale: our spiritual choices have far-reaching ripple effects, not only for ourselves but for those around us and even for future generations. Disobedience to God's clear commands can invite unforeseen challenges and adversaries, while faithfulness can lead to blessing and stability. We are called to discern God's hand in all things, recognizing that He can use any situation, even the rise of an "enemy," to shape us, humble us, or bring about His ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Hadad challenge our perception of "luck" or "chance" in the world, particularly in political and social spheres?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be experiencing consequences, direct or indirect, of past disobedience, and how can we respond with repentance and trust in God's redemptive plan?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper awareness of God's sovereign hand at work, even in circumstances that seem adversarial or beyond our control?**

### FAQ
**Who was Hadad and why was he in Egypt?**

Answer: Hadad was a member of the Edomite royal family. As a young child, he fled from Edom to Egypt during King David's conquest and devastating campaign against Edom, which resulted in the death of many Edomites, including Hadad's relatives ([1 Kings 11:15-16](/1_kings/11-15 "Hadad's Flight from Edom")). He sought refuge in Egypt, where he was welcomed and eventually integrated into the royal court.

**What was the significance of Pharaoh giving Hadad his queen's sister in marriage?**

Answer: This act was immensely significant. In the ancient Near East, royal marriages were powerful tools for political alliance and legitimization. For Pharaoh to give Hadad the sister of his chief wife, Tahpenes, was an extraordinary gesture of favor and trust. It elevated Hadad from a mere refugee to a member of the Egyptian royal family, granting him immense status, influence, and a secure power base. This marriage was not just a personal union but a strategic move that prepared Hadad for his future role as a formidable adversary against Solomon, solidifying his position and resources.

**How does this event relate to King Solomon's reign?**

Answer: The rise of Hadad, culminating in this prestigious marriage, is presented as a direct consequence of King Solomon's spiritual decline and disobedience. Despite his initial wisdom and prosperity, Solomon turned away from the Lord by accumulating many foreign wives who led him into idolatry ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry")). As a result, God declared He would tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand ([1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9 "God's Judgment on Solomon")). Hadad is specifically identified as one of the adversaries God "raised up" against Solomon ([1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "God Raises Adversaries")), and his elevation in Egypt through this marriage was a crucial step in preparing him to fulfill that divinely appointed role.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Hadad's rise, orchestrated by God to bring judgment upon a disobedient king, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect sovereignty of God over all adversaries, culminating in Christ's triumph. While Hadad was an earthly adversary raised against Solomon, the New Testament reveals Christ as the one who definitively conquers the ultimate spiritual adversaries: sin, death, and the devil. Just as God used an unlikely figure like Hadad, elevated through "favor" in a foreign land, to accomplish His purposes in the Old Testament, so too did God use the "favor" (grace) shown to humanity through Christ to achieve His ultimate redemptive plan. Jesus, through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, disarmed the spiritual principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Principalities")) and destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Destroying the One Who Has the Power of Death")). Unlike Hadad, who was raised for judgment, Christ was raised from the dead for our justification, demonstrating God's perfect plan to overcome all opposition not through earthly warfare, but through self-sacrificial love and divine power. In Christ, believers are made "more than conquerors" over every adversary ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37 "More Than Conquerors Through Christ")), reflecting the ultimate "favor" God bestows upon His children, leading not to earthly power but to eternal life and a share in Christ's glorious reign ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 39:4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.

Jeremiah 43:7

So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they [even] to Tahpanhes.

Jeremiah 43:9

Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which [is] at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Genesis 41:45

And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over [all] the land of Egypt.

Genesis 39:21

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Acts 7:21

And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.