1 Kings 11:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:21 marks a critical turning point in the narrative of King Solomon's reign, detailing the strategic return of Hadad the Edomite from Egypt. This event, triggered by the news of the deaths of King David and Joab, signifies the beginning of the divine judgment against Solomon for his idolatry and disobedience, as God raises adversaries to disrupt the peace and stability of his kingdom, setting the stage for future division.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the broader narrative of Solomon's spiritual decline, which begins in [1 Kings 11:1-13](/1_kings/11-13 "1 Kings 11:1-13 - Solomon's Idolatry and God's Judgment"). Having previously enjoyed unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and peace, Solomon's unfaithfulness through marrying foreign wives and building altars for their gods provokes the Lord's anger. [1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14 - The Lord Raises Up Adversaries") explicitly states that "the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite, of the royal line in Edom." Verse 21 then provides the specific catalyst for Hadad's active opposition, bridging the divine pronouncement with its historical manifestation. It sets the stage for Hadad's subsequent actions against Israel, as described in [1 Kings 11:25](/1_kings/11-25 "1 Kings 11:25 - Hadad's Hostility Towards Israel"), contributing to the overall theme of judgment and the fragmentation of Solomon's once-unified kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hadad was an Edomite prince who had fled to Egypt as a young boy during King David's brutal conquest of Edom, where David's general, Joab, had executed a near-genocidal campaign against the male population ([1 Kings 11:15-16](/1_kings/11-15-16 "1 Kings 11:15-16 - Joab's Slaughter in Edom")). In Egypt, Hadad was granted asylum and even integrated into Pharaoh's court, marrying Pharaoh's sister-in-law, indicating a significant political alliance and a potential threat to Israel's southern border. The deaths of David and Joab were monumental events. David, the architect of Israel's empire, and Joab, his ruthless and effective military commander, represented the formidable strength and stability of the united monarchy. Their demise signaled a perceived weakening of Israel's central authority and military prowess, creating an opportune moment for Hadad, who harbored legitimate claims to the Edomite throne and a deep-seated desire for vengeance, to return and reclaim his ancestral lands.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that even a king as blessed as Solomon would face severe repercussions for his disobedience and idolatry, as prophesied in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Promise to Tear the Kingdom from Solomon"). Secondly, it highlights **Shifting Power Dynamics** and the fragility of peace. The passing of strong leaders like David and Joab creates vacuums that former enemies are quick to exploit, leading to regional instability and the unraveling of an empire. Lastly, it reinforces the overarching theme of **God's Sovereignty in History**. Despite human ambitions and political maneuvering, God remains actively involved, orchestrating events—even raising up adversaries like Hadad—to fulfill His righteous purposes and bring about His divine discipline, thereby demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"slept with his fathers" (Hebrew, _shakav im avotav'_):** This is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs, signifying that the deceased has passed away and joined their ancestors in the afterlife or the grave. It suggests a peaceful, natural end to life, even if the circumstances leading to death or succession were complex. Its use here emphasizes the finality of David's reign and the transition of power, which Hadad perceived as an opportunity.
* **"captain of the host" (Hebrew, _sar hatzava'_):** This title refers to the supreme commander of the army. In this context, it specifically denotes Joab, who was renowned for his military prowess, strategic cunning, and often brutal effectiveness. His death removed a significant deterrent and a powerful figure who had been instrumental in establishing and maintaining Israel's dominance, making the kingdom appear more vulnerable to external threats.
* **"depart" (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** This verb, meaning "to send," "to dispatch," or "to let go," reflects Hadad's earnest request and determination to return to his homeland. It implies a sense of urgency and a calculated decision on Hadad's part, recognizing the opportune moment presented by the deaths of Israel's most formidable leaders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Hadad heard in Egypt":** This clause establishes the setting and the source of Hadad's information. Hadad, an exiled Edomite prince, was living in Egypt under Pharaoh's protection, indicating his privileged status and access to intelligence regarding events in Israel. His location underscores the long-standing tension and potential threat he posed from abroad.
* **"that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead":** This is the crucial intelligence that prompts Hadad's action. The deaths of King David, the founder of the united monarchy and conqueror of Edom, and Joab, the ruthless military commander responsible for the Edomite slaughter, signaled a significant power vacuum and a perceived weakening of Israel's military might. For Hadad, these deaths removed the two most significant obstacles to his return and reclamation of his ancestral throne.
* **"Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country":** This clause reveals Hadad's immediate and decisive response. Recognizing the opportune moment, he seeks Pharaoh's permission to leave Egypt. His desire to return to "mine own country" (Edom) is driven by a combination of legitimate dynastic claim, a thirst for vengeance, and a strategic ambition to destabilize Israel, aligning perfectly with God's stated purpose of raising him as an adversary against Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The most prominent is **Euphemism**, seen in the phrase "David slept with his fathers," which delicately refers to death without explicit mention, a common practice in biblical narrative to denote the peaceful passing of a ruler. This phrase also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the end of an era of unchallenged Israeli dominance and the impending troubles for Solomon's reign. The mention of Joab's death alongside David's creates a sense of **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the simultaneous removal of both political and military strongholds that had secured Israel's peace. Furthermore, the entire scenario carries a powerful sense of **Irony**: Solomon, who inherited a kingdom of peace and prosperity, now faces the rise of an adversary precisely because of his spiritual failures, a direct consequence of divine judgment, contrasting sharply with the stable foundation laid by his faithful father, David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The return of Hadad in 1 Kings 11:21 serves as a stark reminder of the principle of divine judgment and the tangible consequences of disobedience. Solomon's unfaithfulness, particularly his idolatry, directly provoked God to raise up adversaries, demonstrating that even those greatly blessed by God are not exempt from the covenant curses when they stray. This event underscores God's active sovereignty in history, using human agents and political shifts, even those seemingly organic, to fulfill His righteous decrees and discipline His people. It highlights that true peace and security are not merely dependent on military might or political alliances, but fundamentally on covenant faithfulness to the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Judges 2:14-15](/judges/2-14-15 "Judges 2:14-15 - God Raises Up Adversaries Against Israel")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Both Good and Calamity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Hadad's return is a profound spiritual lesson for believers today. It powerfully illustrates that spiritual complacency and disobedience, even in the midst of apparent prosperity and peace, can open the door to significant challenges and opposition. Just as God raised adversaries against Solomon to bring about His purposes and discipline, we too may find ourselves facing difficulties or opposition when we drift from our commitment to God's Word and His ways. This verse calls us to a posture of constant vigilance and faithfulness, recognizing that our spiritual state has tangible consequences, not only for our individual lives but also potentially for the communities and spheres of influence we inhabit. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even using what appears to be political misfortune or the rise of enemies to draw His people back to Himself or to fulfill His larger redemptive plan. Our primary security lies not in worldly power or the absence of threats, but in steadfast obedience and trust in the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing "peace" or "prosperity" that could be masking spiritual complacency or disobedience?**
* **How does the idea of God raising up "adversaries" challenge my understanding of His love and justice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my faithfulness to God remains steadfast, even when life seems comfortable?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty in difficult circumstances change my perspective on personal or communal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who was Hadad and why was his return significant?**

Answer: 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 devastated the Edomite male population ([1 Kings 11:15-16](/1_kings/11-15-16 "1 Kings 11:15-16 - Joab's Slaughter in Edom")). He was given refuge by Pharaoh and even married into the Egyptian royal family. His return was significant because it marked the beginning of the divine judgment against King Solomon for his idolatry and disobedience ([1 Kings 11:1-13](/1_kings/11-13 "1 Kings 11:1-13 - Solomon's Idolatry")). God explicitly states in [1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14 - God Raises Adversaries Against Solomon") that He would raise up Hadad as an "adversary" against Solomon, fulfilling His promise to tear the kingdom from him. Hadad's return, triggered by the deaths of David and Joab, was a strategic move to reclaim his ancestral throne and destabilize Israel, serving as a direct instrument of God's discipline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hadad served as a divinely appointed adversary against Solomon, foreshadowing the fragmentation of his kingdom due to sin, the ultimate fulfillment of God's victory over all adversaries is found in Jesus Christ. Solomon's reign, despite its initial promise of peace, ultimately failed due to his unfaithfulness, leading to the rise of enemies and the eventual division of the kingdom. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true Son of David and the promised King of Kings, faced the ultimate adversary—Satan, sin, and death—not through human military might, but through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross. The "death" of David and Joab created an opportunity for an earthly adversary, but Christ's death and resurrection ultimately disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Where Solomon's peace was temporary and conditional, Christ's reign brings an everlasting peace that overcomes all opposition ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, removing the very cause of divine judgment and the need for adversaries ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Believers, united with Christ, are no longer subject to the dominion of sin or the fear of death, but share in His victory and eternal reign ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37-39 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

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

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.