Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version While he was in Egypt, Hadad heard that David rested with his ancestors and that Joab the commander of the army was also dead. Then Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, that I may return to my own country.” New Living Translation When the news reached Hadad in Egypt that David and his commander Joab were both dead, he said to Pharaoh, “Let me return to my own country.” English Standard Version But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go 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.” Berean Literal Bible And Hadad heard in Egypt that David had rested with his fathers, and that Joab the commander of the army was dead. And Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own land.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version So when Hadad heard in Egypt that David rested with his fathers, and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.” New American Standard Bible But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David lay down with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, so that I may go to my own country.” NASB 1995 But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Send me away, that I may go to my own country.” NASB 1977 But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Send me away, that I may go to my own country.” Legacy Standard Bible But Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army had died. So Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Send me away, that I may go to my own country.” Amplified Bible But when Hadad heard in Egypt that David had died and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me leave, so that I may go to my own country.” Berean Annotated Bible When Hadad (mighty) heard in Egypt (land of bondage) that David (beloved) had rested with his fathers and that Joab (YHWH is father), the commander of the army, was dead, he said to Pharaoh (great house), “Let me go, that I may return to my own country. Christian Standard Bible When Hadad heard in Egypt that David rested with his ancestors and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me leave, so I may go to my own country.” Holman Christian Standard Bible When Hadad heard in Egypt that David rested with his fathers and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me leave, so I can go 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. Contemporary English Version When Hadad heard that David and Joab were dead, he said to the king, "Your Majesty, please let me go back to my own country." English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation When Hadad heard in Egypt that David had lain down in death with his ancestors and that Joab, the commander of the army, had died, he said to Pharaoh, "Let me go to my own country." Good News Translation When the news reached Hadad in Egypt that David had died and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to the king, "Let me go back to my own country." International Standard Version Later on, Hadad learned in Egypt that David had been buried with his ancestors and that Joab the army commander was dead. So Hadad asked Pharaoh, "Please send me out so I can go back to my own land." NET Bible While in Egypt Hadad heard that David had passed away and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead. So Hadad asked Pharaoh, "Give me permission to leave so I can return to my homeland." New Heart English Bible When Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, "Let me depart, that I may go to my own country." Webster's Bible Translation 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 my own country. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen 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.” World English Bible When Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Hadad has heard in Egypt that David has lain with his fathers, and that Joab head of the host is dead, and Hadad says to Pharaoh, “Send me away, and I go to my land.” Berean Literal Bible And Hadad heard in Egypt that David had rested with his fathers, and that Joab the commander of the army was dead. And Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own land.” Young's Literal Translation And Hadad hath heard in Egypt that David hath lain with his fathers, and that Joab head of the host is dead, and Hadad saith unto Pharaoh, 'Send me away, and I go unto my land.' Smith's Literal Translation And Hadad heard in Egypt that David lay down with his fathers, and that Joab chief of the army died, and Hadad will say to Pharaoh, Send me away, and I will go to my land. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when Adad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the general of the army was dead, he add to Pharao: Let me depart, that I may go to my own country. Catholic Public Domain Version And when Hadad had heard in Egypt that David had slept with his fathers, and that Joab, the leader of the military, had died, he said to Pharaoh, “Release me, so that I may go to my own land.” New American Bible When Hadad in Egypt heard that David rested with his ancestors and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, he said to Pharaoh, “Give me leave to return to my own land.” New Revised Standard Version When Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his ancestors and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers and that Joab the commander of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh. Let me depart that I may go to my own country. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Yuab General of the army was dead, and Hadad said to Pharaoh: “Send me. I shall go to my land.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Ader heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead; and Ader said to Pharao, Let me go, and I will return to my country. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Hadad's Return…20And the sister of Tahpenes bore Hadad a son named Genubath. Tahpenes herself weaned him in Pharaoh’s palace, and Genubath lived there among the sons of Pharaoh. 21When 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.” 22But 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.”… Cross References When Hadad heard in Egypt Genesis 50:1-3 Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him. / And Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him, / taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. Matthew 2:19-21 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. / “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.” / So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel. Exodus 2:23-25 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. / So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / God saw the Israelites and took notice. that David had rested with his fathers 1 Kings 2:10 Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. 1 Chronicles 29:28 He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place. 2 Samuel 7:12 And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead, 1 Kings 2:28-34 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” … 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 1 Chronicles 18:15 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; he said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, Genesis 50:4-6 When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please tell Pharaoh that / my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.” / Pharaoh replied, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.” Exodus 5:1 After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” Exodus 12:31-32 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. / Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” that I may return to my own country.” Numbers 10:29-30 Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.” / “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” Genesis 31:3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” Genesis 47:29-31 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.” / “Swear to me,” Jacob said. So Joseph swore to him, and Israel bowed in worship at the head of his bed. 1 Kings 11:14 Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. Treasury of Scripture 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 my own country. Hadad 1 Kings 2:10,34 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. 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. Let me depart [heb] Send me away Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. 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. Jump to Previous Army Captain Commander Country David Dead Depart Egypt Fathers Hadad Head Heard Host Joab Jo'ab Lain News Pharaoh Rest Rested SleptJump to Next Army Captain Commander Country David Dead Depart Egypt Fathers Hadad Head Heard Host Joab Jo'ab Lain News Pharaoh Rest Rested Slept1 Kings 11 1. Solomon's wives and concubines4. In his old age they draw him to idolatry 9. God threatens him, 14. Solomon's adversaries were Hadad, who was entertained in Egypt 23. Rezon, who reigned in Damascus 26. And Jeroboam, to whom Ahijah prophesied 41. Solomon's acts, reign, and death. Rehoboam succeeds him When Hadad heard in Egypt Hadad was an Edomite prince who fled to Egypt as a child when David conquered Edom. Egypt, during this period, was a place of refuge for political exiles. The mention of Egypt highlights the historical ties and tensions between Israel and Egypt, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. 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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. HadadA member of the Edomite royal family who fled to Egypt as a child when David's army conquered Edom. He represents a remnant of David's unfinished business, a potential threat to Solomon's kingdom. 2. Egypt The place of refuge for Hadad. Egypt often symbolizes a place of exile or refuge in the Bible, but also a place of potential temptation and idolatry. 3. David The former king of Israel, whose death marks a transition in leadership and a potential shift in political alliances and threats. 4. Joab The commander of David's army, known for his military prowess and loyalty to David. His death signifies a loss of military strength and stability for Israel. 5. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, who provides asylum to Hadad. His role highlights the political dynamics between Israel and Egypt. Teaching Points The Consequences of Unfinished BusinessDavid's incomplete conquest of Edom left a lingering threat. In our lives, unresolved issues can resurface and challenge us if not addressed. The Impact of Leadership Transitions The deaths of David and Joab created a power vacuum. Leadership changes can lead to instability and require careful navigation. God's Sovereignty in Adversity Despite human plans, God can use adversaries to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Hadad's return. Trust in God's sovereignty even when facing opposition. The Role of Refuge and Exile Hadad's time in Egypt reflects the dual nature of refuge as both a place of safety and potential spiritual danger. Consider where you seek refuge and its impact on your faith. The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance Solomon's reign was marked by external threats due to internal disobedience. Spiritual vigilance is crucial to maintaining God's favor and protection. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:21?2. How does 1 Kings 11:21 illustrate God's sovereignty over political events? 3. Why did Hadad request to return to his own land in 1 Kings 11:21? 4. What does Hadad's return reveal about God's judgment on Solomon's disobedience? 5. How can we discern God's will in political changes today, like Hadad's return? 6. How does Hadad's story in 1 Kings 11:21 relate to Romans 8:28? 7. Why did Hadad return to his land after hearing of David and Joab's deaths in 1 Kings 11:21? 8. How does 1 Kings 11:21 reflect God's sovereignty over political events? 9. What role does divine providence play in Hadad's actions in 1 Kings 11:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 11? 11. Who was Jeroboam in the Bible? 12. Deuteronomy 11 repeatedly references miracles and direct divine intervention; how do we address the absence of clear historical corroboration for these events? 13. Psalm 21:11: Does the assertion that the king's enemies 'cannot succeed' conflict with biblical passages describing military defeats or setbacks for Israel's leaders? 14. What role did Egyptians play in biblical narratives? What Does 1 Kings 11:21 Mean When Hadad heard in Egypt“Hadad the Edomite” had fled to Egypt years earlier when Joab struck down every male in Edom (1 Kings 11:14–17). • Egypt often became a temporary refuge for those escaping danger (Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 2:40; Matthew 2:13). • During his sojourn, Hadad received favor from Pharaoh, marrying into the royal family (1 Kings 11:19). • Hearing news from home shows his heart never left Edom; God was preparing to use that longing as part of the judgment announced against Solomon (1 Kings 11:11–14). that David had rested with his fathers The phrase “rested with his fathers” records David’s literal death and burial (1 Kings 2:10). • David’s passing removed the warrior-king who had subdued Edom (2 Samuel 8:13–14). • Scripture repeatedly notes that death does not erase covenant promises; yet earthly power structures change (Acts 13:36; 2 Samuel 7:12). • For Hadad, David’s absence signals an opportunity to reclaim independence, showing how God can accomplish His purposes even through the ambitions of unbelieving nations. and that Joab, the commander of the army, was dead Joab’s death at the hands of Benaiah (1 Kings 2:28–34) further alters the balance of power. • Joab had been the chief architect of Edom’s defeat (1 Kings 11:15–16), so his removal eliminates the field general most feared by Hadad. • The combined loss of David and Joab fulfills Ecclesiastes 3:1–3: seasons change, leaders fade, and God alone remains sovereign. • These events also echo Numbers 32:23—sin brings consequence; Solomon’s drift into idolatry opens the door for adversaries. he said to Pharaoh, “Let me go, that I may return to my own country.” • Hadad respectfully requests release, displaying proper protocol yet unwavering resolve (compare Nehemiah 2:5). • Pharaoh’s willingness to grant permission (1 Kings 11:22) shows God stirring hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1). • Hadad’s return inaugurates a long-term annoyance for Solomon (1 Kings 11:25). What looks like personal ambition is, in fact, divine discipline, paralleling Judges 2:14 when the LORD “handed them over to plunderers.” • The episode reminds us that no earthly alliance substitutes for faithfulness to God; Solomon’s Egyptian marriage alliance (1 Kings 3:1) cannot shield him from foes arising out of the same land. summary 1 Kings 11:21 records the moment Hadad learns that the two men who once crushed Edom—David and Joab—are gone. Interpreting the news as God-given opportunity, he seeks Pharaoh’s blessing to return and oppose Solomon. The verse highlights God’s absolute sovereignty: while Solomon compromises with idols, the LORD raises an external adversary to chasten him. Leadership changes, alliances shift, but God’s Word stands certain, accomplishing exactly what He declares. (21, 22) When Hadad heard.--If (as the text seems to suggest) this took place on the news of the death of David and of Joab, the scourge of Edom, it belongs, of course, to the early part of the reign of Solomon, before his power was established. The courteous evasion by the Pharaoh of that time of Hadad's request for permission to return, may probably indicate the beginning of the change of attitude towards the powerful monarchy of Israel, which took effect in the subsequent close alliance of the kingdoms. As the text stands, the record here stops abruptly, and then recurs to Hadad by a curious allusion in 1Kings 11:25. It can hardly be doubted that there is some omission or dislocation of the text. The LXX. (in the Vatican MS.) introduces after the words "Hadad the Edomite" in 1Kings 11:14, the words "and Rezon the son of Eliadah . . . all the days of Solomon" from 1Kings 11:23-25; and then, resuming the story of Hadad, adds, after the record of his request to Pharaoh, "and Hadad returned to his land. This is the mischief which Hadad did, and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Edom." Josephus, on the other hand, says that at the time of the original request, Pharaoh refused permission; but that in the declining years of Solomon it was granted, and that Hadad, finding it impossible to excite rebellion in Edom, which was strongly garrisoned, joined Rezon in Syria, and with him established an independent power, and did mischief to Israel. (Ant. viii. 6, 6.) This account is itself probable enough; it accounts, moreover, for the close connection in the history (especially in the LXX. reading) between Hadad and Rezon, and for the insertion of the whole matter in this place; and accords also with the fact that, while Syria seems at once to become independent after the death of Solomon, we hear of no revolt of Edom till the time of Jelioshaphat (2 Chronicles 20).Verse 21. - And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead [It comes out very significantly here what a name of terror Joab's had been in Edom and how deep was the impression which his bloody vengeance of a quarter of a century before had made] Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart [Heb. send me away], that I may go to mine own country. [Rawlinson cites Herod. 3:132-137; 5:25, 35, 106, 107, to show that refugees at Oriental courts must obtain permission to leave them.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When Hadadוַהֲדַ֞ד (wa·hă·ḏaḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1908: Hadad -- three Edomites heard שָׁמַ֣ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently in Egypt בְּמִצְרַ֗יִם (bə·miṣ·ra·yim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse had rested שָׁכַ֤ב (šā·ḵaḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with his fathers אֲבֹתָ֔יו (’ă·ḇō·ṯāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father and that וְכִי־ (wə·ḵî-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction Joab, יוֹאָ֣ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites the commander שַֽׂר־ (śar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the army, הַצָּבָ֑א (haṣ·ṣā·ḇā) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign was dead, מֵ֖ת (mêṯ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill he הֲדַד֙ (hă·ḏaḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1908: Hadad -- three Edomites said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Pharaoh, פַּרְעֹ֔ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings “Let me go, שַׁלְּחֵ֖נִי (šal·lə·ḥê·nî) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out so I may return וְאֵלֵ֥ךְ (wə·’ê·lêḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to my own country.” אַרְצִֽי׃ (’ar·ṣî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 776: Earth, land Links 1 Kings 11:21 NIV1 Kings 11:21 NLT 1 Kings 11:21 ESV 1 Kings 11:21 NASB 1 Kings 11:21 KJV 1 Kings 11:21 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 11:21 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 11:21 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 11:21 French Bible 1 Kings 11:21 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 11:21 When Hadad heard in Egypt that David (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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