1 Kings 11:22

KJV

Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559} unto him, But what hast thou lacked {H2638} with me, that, behold, thou seekest {H1245} to go {H3212} to thine own country {H776}? And he answered {H559}, Nothing: howbeit let me go {H7971} in any wise {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh asked him, "But what have you lacked with me that makes you want just now to go to your own country?" "Nothing in particular," he replied, "but let me leave, anyway."

Berean Standard Bible

But Pharaoh asked him, “What have you lacked here with me that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?” “Nothing,” Hadad replied, “but please let me go.”

American Standard Version

Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country? And he answered, Nothing: howbeit only let me depart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal dialogue between Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, and Hadad the Edomite, a royal refugee who had been granted asylum and privilege in Egypt. Pharaoh, puzzled by Hadad's sudden desire to depart, inquires if he has lacked anything during his stay, to which Hadad simply replies, "Nothing," yet insists on returning to his homeland. This seemingly innocuous exchange marks the beginning of Hadad's re-emergence as an adversary against Solomon, fulfilling God's prophetic judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "Solomon's Idolatry and God's Judgment"), a chapter detailing the tragic decline of King Solomon's reign. After enjoying unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and peace, Solomon's heart turns from the Lord due to his many foreign wives, who lead him into idolatry ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "Solomon's Apostasy")). As a direct consequence of his disobedience, God declares that He will tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "God's Judgment on Solomon")). The narrative immediately preceding this verse explains that "the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite, of the royal house in Edom" ([1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "God Raises Hadad as an Adversary")). Verses [1 Kings 11:15-20](/1_kings/11-15 "Hadad's Escape to Egypt") recount Hadad's escape from David's conquest of Edom, his safe haven in Egypt, and his integration into Pharaoh's family through marriage. This verse, [1 Kings 11:22](/1_kings/11-22 "Pharaoh's Question to Hadad"), directly follows Hadad's request to return home after hearing of David and Joab's deaths ([1 Kings 11:21](/1_kings/11-21 "Hadad Seeks to Return Home")), setting the stage for his return to Edom as a divinely appointed instrument of judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the early 10th century BCE, during the height of the united monarchy under Solomon. Edom, located southeast of Judah, had been subjugated by King David ([2 Samuel 8:13-14](/2_samuel/8-13 "David Conquers Edom")). The slaughter mentioned in [1 Kings 11:15-16](/1_kings/11-15 "Joab's Campaign in Edom") refers to Joab's brutal campaign to consolidate Israelite control, which lasted six months. It was common for royal refugees to seek asylum in powerful neighboring kingdoms like Egypt. Pharaoh's hospitality towards Hadad—providing him with a house, provisions, and even arranging his marriage to the queen's sister—was a significant political act. Such a gesture would have been a display of Egyptian power and influence, potentially cultivating a future ally or puppet ruler. Pharaoh's question in [1 Kings 11:22](/1_kings/11-22 "Pharaoh's Question to Hadad") reflects genuine surprise or perhaps a strategic inquiry, as Hadad was a valuable asset, integrated into the highest echelons of Egyptian society. His desire to leave, despite such comfort, would have seemed irrational from a purely political or material perspective, highlighting the deep-seated connection to one's homeland and lineage in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

* **Key Themes:** This concise exchange illuminates several key themes prevalent in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. Despite Solomon's power, God is ultimately in control, raising up adversaries like Hadad to fulfill His word against a disobedient king ([1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "God Raises Hadad as an Adversary")). Hadad's seemingly personal decision to return is, from a theological perspective, part of God's overarching plan. Secondly, it explores the **Nature of True Fulfillment and Identity**. Hadad, despite lacking "nothing" materially in Egypt, felt a profound pull towards his ancestral land and a potential claim to his royal heritage. This contrasts material comfort with a deeper sense of purpose and belonging, foreshadowing the spiritual longing for a true home and identity found only in God. Lastly, the passage subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**. Hadad's return is a direct result of Solomon's spiritual failings, illustrating how sin invites divine discipline and external threats, disrupting the peace and prosperity that God had initially promised for obedience ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Curses for Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lacked (Hebrew, _ḥāsar'_):** The Hebrew verb חָסַר (ḥāsar) means "to lack," "to be wanting," or "to decrease." Pharaoh's question, "But what hast thou lacked with me?" uses this term to inquire if Hadad experienced any deficiency, want, or need during his stay in Egypt. It implies a comprehensive lack—whether of material comfort, security, honor, or even personal freedom (though the context suggests the opposite). Hadad's simple "Nothing" (אֵין, _ʾên_) directly negates any such lack, emphasizing the paradox of his desire to leave despite having everything provided.
* **Nothing (Hebrew, _ʾên'_):** The Hebrew word אֵין (ʾên) is a common negative particle meaning "there is not," "nothing," or "without." Hadad's terse response, "Nothing," is a powerful declaration. It confirms Pharaoh's implicit assumption that Hadad had enjoyed a life of complete provision and privilege. This stark affirmation of material contentment highlights that Hadad's motivation to depart was not driven by any external deficiency, but by an internal drive, likely a combination of ambition, a longing for his homeland, and, from the divine perspective, a sovereign calling.
* **Let me go (Hebrew, _šallaḥ'_):** The verb שַׁלַּח (šallaḥ) means "to send," "to send away," or "to let go." Hadad's plea, "howbeit let me go in any wise" (וְשַׁלְּחֵ֥נִי), is a strong imperative, an urgent request for release. The addition of "in any wise" (literally, "and send me away, please") underscores the depth of his resolve and the unwavering nature of his desire to return to Edom, despite the comfort and status he enjoyed in Egypt. It conveys a sense of urgency and determination that overrides all other considerations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Pharaoh said unto him, But what hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seekest to go to thine own country?":** This opening clause presents Pharaoh's bewildered inquiry. His question is rhetorical, implying that Hadad had lacked absolutely nothing under his protection. The phrase "with me" emphasizes Pharaoh's personal provision and the security Hadad enjoyed within the Egyptian court. The use of "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) highlights Pharaoh's surprise and perhaps a touch of disbelief at Hadad's seemingly inexplicable desire to abandon such a privileged life for the uncertainties of his "own country," Edom, which had been devastated by David.
* **"And he answered, Nothing: howbeit let me go in any wise.":** Hadad's response is remarkably concise and resolute. His immediate "Nothing" directly addresses Pharaoh's question, confirming that his decision is not born of dissatisfaction or material want. The subsequent phrase, "howbeit let me go in any wise," serves as a strong, unwavering plea. It indicates that despite Pharaoh's hospitality and the comforts of Egypt, Hadad's desire to return to his homeland is paramount and non-negotiable. This determination is key to the unfolding narrative, as it sets in motion the events that will lead to Hadad becoming an adversary to Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Dialogue** to reveal character and advance the plot. Pharaoh's question underscores his bewilderment and Hadad's privileged position, while Hadad's terse reply highlights his unwavering resolve. There is clear **Contrast** between the comfort and security Hadad enjoyed in Egypt ("lacked nothing") and his inexplicable, yet fervent, desire to return to his war-torn homeland. This contrast builds a subtle sense of **Irony**, as Hadad, who seemingly has everything, chooses to leave it all for a potentially dangerous future. The dialogue also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as Hadad's insistence on returning home directly precedes his role as a divine adversary against Solomon, fulfilling God's judgment, though neither Pharaoh nor Hadad are explicitly aware of this divine orchestration at this moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This brief exchange powerfully illustrates the sovereign hand of God at work, even through the seemingly mundane decisions of individuals. Hadad's inexplicable longing for home, despite unparalleled comfort, is not merely a personal whim but an instrument in God's larger plan of judgment against Solomon's apostasy. It reminds us that God can use unexpected means and desires to accomplish His purposes, even turning the hearts of kings and refugees alike. The narrative teaches that true fulfillment is not found in material abundance or earthly security, but in aligning with God's will and purpose, however uncomfortable that may seem. Hadad's story, in a broader sense, speaks to the human longing for "home" and identity, a longing that ultimately finds its true satisfaction only in God Himself.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hadad's story challenges us to examine our own contentment and motivations. Are we, like Hadad, in a place where we "lack nothing" materially, yet feel an undeniable pull towards a different path, a deeper purpose, or a sense of belonging that transcends earthly comforts? This verse prompts us to consider whether our pursuit of security and ease might inadvertently distract us from a divine calling or a necessary journey. It reminds us that God often works through our deepest longings and even our discomforts to guide us toward His perfect will. Sometimes, the greatest act of faith is to leave a place of comfort, trusting that God has a specific purpose for us elsewhere, even if that path seems less secure or more challenging. Our true home and ultimate satisfaction are found not in earthly possessions or positions, but in pursuing God's kingdom and His righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "comfort zones" might God be calling me to leave, even if I "lack nothing" in them?**
* **How do I discern between a personal desire and a divine calling when faced with a decision to move from a place of security?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary circumstances or individuals in my life to accomplish His sovereign plan?**
* **What does "home" truly mean to me, and where do I seek my ultimate sense of belonging and identity?**

### FAQ

**Why was Pharaoh so surprised by Hadad's request to leave?**

Answer: Pharaoh's surprise stemmed from the extraordinary hospitality and privilege he had extended to Hadad. Hadad was not merely a refugee; he had been welcomed into Pharaoh's inner circle, given a house, provisions, and even married to the queen's sister ([1 Kings 11:18-19](/1_kings/11-18 "Hadad's Reception in Egypt")). From Pharaoh's perspective, Hadad had achieved a life of unparalleled comfort, security, and status far exceeding what he could expect in his devastated homeland of Edom. His question, "what hast thou lacked with me," implies that Hadad had every possible need met, making his desire to depart seem irrational and ungrateful from a human standpoint. Pharaoh likely viewed Hadad as a valuable political asset, and his departure would have been a loss of influence or a potential disruption to regional stability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Hadad, a displaced royal heir yearning for his homeland despite earthly comfort, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Hadad was an adversary raised by God against Solomon's unfaithfulness, Christ is the ultimate King, whose reign stands in stark contrast to Solomon's eventual failure. Solomon's pursuit of foreign alliances and idolatry led to the tearing of his kingdom, a consequence that Hadad's return helps to initiate. In Christ, we see the perfect King, who did not cling to heavenly comfort but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humiliation")). He left His glorious "country" to reclaim His people, not through conquest like David or Hadad, but through self-sacrifice. Furthermore, Hadad's longing for his earthly home, despite having "lacked nothing" in Egypt, foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual longing for our true home in God. We, too, may find ourselves in situations of earthly comfort, yet feel an unquenchable yearning for something more—a longing that can only be satisfied by reconciliation with our Creator through Christ. He is the one who ultimately takes away our "lack" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering true contentment and eternal belonging in His kingdom, a kingdom that will never be torn away due to unfaithfulness, for He is "the King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "King of Kings")).

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.