1 Kings 11:21

And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country.

And when Hadad {H1908} heard {H8085} in Egypt {H4714} that David {H1732} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and that Joab {H3097} the captain {H8269} of the host {H6635} was dead {H4191}, Hadad {H1908} said {H559} to Pharaoh {H6547}, Let me depart {H7971}, that I may go {H3212} to mine own country {H776}.

When Hadad in Egypt heard that David slept with his ancestors and Yo'av the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, "Let me leave, so that I can return to my own country."

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.”

And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country.

Commentary

1 Kings 11:21 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Solomon's decline, detailing the return of Hadad the Edomite, a significant adversary raised by God against Solomon.

Context

This verse is crucial for understanding the political instability that began to plague King Solomon's reign, a direct consequence of his idolatry and disobedience to the Lord. Hadad was an Edomite prince who had fled to Egypt as a child during King David's conquest of Edom, where David's general, Joab, had severely decimated the Edomite male population. For years, Hadad lived under the protection of Pharaoh, even marrying Pharaoh's sister-in-law. His decision to return was triggered by the news of the deaths of two formidable figures: King David, who had established Israel's dominance, and Joab, the powerful and ruthless captain of David's army. Their demise signaled a perceived weakening of Israel's military might and central authority, creating an opportune moment for Hadad to reclaim his ancestral throne and become one of the "adversaries" God raised against Solomon, as foretold in 1 Kings 11:14.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: Hadad's return is not merely a political maneuver but a manifestation of God's judgment against Solomon's unfaithfulness. It underscores the biblical principle that disobedience brings adverse consequences, even for powerful kings.
  • Shifting Power Dynamics: The deaths of David and Joab represent the end of an era of unchallenged Israeli supremacy. This verse highlights how the absence of strong, established leadership can create vacuums that former enemies are quick to exploit, leading to regional instability.
  • God's Sovereignty in History: Despite human actions and political ambitions, God remains sovereign, orchestrating events—even raising up adversaries—to fulfill His purposes and bring about His divine discipline.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "David slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom or euphemism for death, signifying that David had passed away and joined his ancestors in the afterlife. This expression is frequently used throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to denote the peaceful end of a ruler's life, even if the circumstances were not always peaceful, like David's transition of power to Solomon (1 Kings 2:10).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that actions have consequences, and spiritual unfaithfulness can lead to tangible difficulties and opposition. Just as God raised adversaries against Solomon, we too may face challenges when we stray from His path. It also highlights God's ultimate control over human affairs; even seemingly random political shifts or the rise of opponents can be part of His larger plan to bring about repentance or fulfill His righteous judgments. For believers, it's a call to steadfastness and obedience, recognizing that our faithfulness impacts not only our own lives but also the stability and blessing of our communities.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 2:10

    So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

  • Exodus 4:19

    And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.

  • 2 Samuel 3:21

    And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

  • Joshua 2:21

    And she said, According unto your words, so [be] it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

  • 1 Samuel 9:26

    And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.

  • Matthew 2:20

    Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

  • 1 Kings 2:34

    So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.
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