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." But Pharaoh asked himThe phrase begins with "But," indicating a contrast or a shift in the narrative. "Pharaoh" refers to the ruler of Egypt, a significant figure in the ancient world, often seen as a symbol of power and authority. The Hebrew root for "Pharaoh" is "Par'oh," which means "great house," reflecting the grandeur and might of the Egyptian monarchy. Historically, Egypt was a place of refuge and political alliance for many, including biblical figures like Abraham and Joseph. Pharaoh's inquiry suggests a relationship of hospitality and perhaps political alliance with Hadad, a foreigner in his court. What have you lacked here with me
This question implies a sense of provision and care. The Hebrew word for "lacked" is "ḥāsēr," which conveys a sense of deficiency or need. Pharaoh's question suggests that he believes he has provided well for Hadad, offering him a place of security and abundance. This reflects the historical context where foreign dignitaries or exiles were often treated with honor in royal courts, receiving land, wealth, or positions of influence. that you suddenly want to go back to your own country?
The word "suddenly" indicates an unexpected or abrupt decision, suggesting urgency or a change in circumstances. The desire to "go back" to one's "own country" highlights themes of identity, belonging, and loyalty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, one's homeland was deeply tied to personal and familial identity. Hadad's longing to return may reflect a sense of duty or a call to reclaim his heritage and position in Edom, his native land. 'Nothing,' Hadad replied, 'but please let me go.'
Hadad's response, "Nothing," indicates that his decision is not due to any lack or mistreatment. The Hebrew word for "nothing" is "lō," a simple negation, emphasizing that his departure is not due to dissatisfaction. His polite request, "please let me go," shows respect and acknowledgment of Pharaoh's authority. This reflects the cultural norms of honor and diplomacy, where even in leaving, Hadad seeks to maintain a respectful relationship with Pharaoh. His request underscores a personal conviction or calling that transcends material provision, pointing to a deeper purpose or divine prompting in his return to Edom. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt during the time of King Solomon. He provided refuge to Hadad, an Edomite prince, when he fled from Israel. 2. HadadAn Edomite prince who fled to Egypt after King David and Joab, the commander of the army, destroyed all the males in Edom. He found favor with Pharaoh and married into the royal family. 3. EgyptThe land where Hadad sought refuge. It represents a place of safety and provision for Hadad during his exile. 4. EdomThe homeland of Hadad, which he desires to return to. It is significant as the place of his heritage and identity. 5. King SolomonThe king of Israel during this time, whose reign is marked by wisdom but also by turning away from God, leading to adversaries like Hadad rising against him. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in AdversityGod can use adversaries to fulfill His purposes and bring about His will, even when it seems contrary to human plans. The Importance of Heritage and IdentityHadad's desire to return to Edom highlights the deep connection people have with their homeland and identity. Christians are reminded of their heavenly citizenship and the importance of spiritual heritage. The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's turning away from God led to the rise of adversaries. This serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from God's commands. The Role of Providence in RelationshipsThe relationship between Hadad and Pharaoh shows how God can provide unexpected allies and resources in times of need. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hadad's relationship with Pharaoh reflect God's provision in times of exile or difficulty? 2. In what ways does the account of Hadad illustrate the consequences of Solomon's disobedience to God? 3. How can we apply the concept of spiritual heritage and identity in our daily lives as Christians? 4. What lessons can we learn from the varying relationships between Egypt and God's people throughout the Bible? 5. How does understanding God's sovereignty in raising adversaries help us trust Him in our own challenges and adversities? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 1:8-10This passage describes a new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph and oppressed the Israelites. It contrasts with the Pharaoh in 1 Kings 11:22, who shows kindness to Hadad, highlighting the varying relationships between Egypt and God's people throughout history. 2 Samuel 8:13-14These verses recount David's victories over Edom, which set the stage for Hadad's flight to Egypt. It provides background on why Hadad harbored animosity towards Israel. 1 Kings 11:14-25This broader context of 1 Kings 11 describes how God raised up adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad, as a consequence of Solomon's disobedience. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Behold, Case, Certainly, Depart, Desirest, Desiring, Hadad, Hast, Howbeit, However, Lack, Lacked, Lacking, Nay, Nevertheless, Nothing, Pharaoh, Replied, Seek, Seekest, Seeking, Short, Surely, Wise, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:14-26 7236 Israel, united kingdom Library The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:22 NIV1 Kings 11:22 NLT1 Kings 11:22 ESV1 Kings 11:22 NASB1 Kings 11:22 KJV
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