1 Kings 11 21

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.

1 Kings 11:21 nkjv

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."

1 Kings 11:21 niv

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."

1 Kings 11:21 esv

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."

1 Kings 11:21 nlt

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."

1 Kings 11 verses

1 Kings 11 21 Meaning

This verse records the request of Hadad, an Edomite royal refugee, to Pharaoh, asking permission to leave Egypt and return to his homeland, Edom. This marks a pivotal moment, as Hadad's return initiates one of the major adversities God raised against King Solomon due to Solomon's idolatry.

1 Kings 11 21 Context

This verse occurs during the latter part of King Solomon's reign, a period marked by his extensive foreign marriages and, crucially, his apostasy into idolatry. The narrative highlights that despite the unparalleled peace and prosperity under Solomon, his heart turned away from the Lord (1 Ki 11:4). In response to Solomon's disobedience, the Lord declared He would tear the kingdom from him, though not completely during his lifetime for the sake of David, but rather during the time of his son (1 Ki 11:11-13). As part of this divine judgment, God began to "raise up adversaries" against Solomon (1 Ki 11:14). Hadad is the first such adversary introduced. The preceding verses (1 Ki 11:15-20) detail Hadad's earlier life, including how he, as a young boy, escaped David's brutal conquest of Edom and found refuge and favor in the Egyptian court. His request to return to Edom signals the re-emergence of an old enemy, poised to challenge Israel's dominion, thereby fulfilling God's word concerning the consequences of Solomon's sin. This verse foreshadows the instability and challenges that will define the end of Solomon's reign and the subsequent division of the kingdom.

1 Kings 11 21 Word analysis

• And (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר): Connects Hadad's request directly to his previous situation in Egypt, emphasizing the continuity of the narrative and the development of divine judgment.
• Hadad (הֲדַ֣ד - Hadad): This is a personal name, an Edomite royal. It often signifies "might" or "noise." His lineage is significant; he represents the rightful line of Edomite kingship that was interrupted by King David's conquest. His very existence as a survivor and claimant represents a persistent, pre-existing antagonism from Israel's southern border. Scholars note Hadad was one of the divine names used by the Edomites (and other Arameans), adding a dimension of opposition to Yahweh’s anointed.
• said (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר - vayyomer): A simple Hebrew verb, indicating direct speech. It denotes a deliberate request rather than an impulsive statement.
• to Pharaoh (לְפַרְעֹ֔ה - ləpar‘ōh): The king of Egypt. This highlights the political power and sanctuary that Pharaoh provided to Hadad. Egypt served as a geopolitical counterbalance in the ancient Near East, often a haven for those opposed to other regional powers like Israel or Assyria. Pharaoh's role in harboring Hadad signifies not only asylum but also the potential for diplomatic leverage against a strong Israelite kingdom. Pharaoh had previously offered Hadad an asylum and favored position, but now Hadad requests leave, hinting at the instability this creates.
• 'Let me depart (שַׁלְּחֵ֣נִי - shalleḥēnî)': From the root שׁלח (shālaḥ), meaning "to send," "to dispatch," or "to release." It implies seeking permission or release, indicating that Hadad was under Pharaoh's protection and could not leave without royal assent. This phrase marks the transition from Hadad being a recipient of hospitality to actively pursuing his destiny as an adversary. It shows a resolve and a purposeful intent.
• that I may go (וְאֵלֵךְ - wə’ē·lêḵ): A purpose clause ("in order that I may go"). This clarifies Hadad's intent, that the departure is not simply an escape but a journey to a specific destination with a specific aim.
• to my own country (אֶל־ אַרְצִֽי - ’el- ’arṣî): Literally "to my land." This expresses a deeply rooted desire to return to his ancestral homeland, Edom, from which he was exiled. The concept of "one's own land" is potent in ancient Near Eastern thought, closely tied to identity, heritage, and the divine right of rule for royalty. For Hadad, this return meant reclaiming his rightful place as king and challenging Israel's dominion over Edom (2 Sam 8:13-14). This desire for a homeland, despite the comforts of a foreign court, underscores his identity as a survivor of the Edomite royal line.

1 Kings 11 21 Bonus section

The request by Hadad to leave Egypt is particularly notable given the privileged life he enjoyed there, including marriage to Pharaoh’s sister-in-law and his son being brought up in Pharaoh’s house (1 Ki 11:19-20). This suggests that Hadad's motivation to return to Edom was driven by more than just comfort or curiosity; it was a strong, persistent ambition rooted in his royal lineage and a desire for vengeance against the house of David. His deep sense of entitlement to his ancestral land overshadowed any current benefit, aligning perfectly with God's purpose to stir up adversaries for Solomon. Furthermore, Pharaoh's eventual consent, despite the implied risk of losing influence over a potential client-king, suggests a geopolitical calculation, possibly recognizing Hadad's determination or perhaps a subtle shift in Egypt's stance towards Israel's growing power.

1 Kings 11 21 Commentary

1 Kings 11:21 is a pivotal verse because it marks Hadad's active re-entry into the narrative as God's instrument against Solomon. Hadad, once a child refugee, now, as an adult with favor and experience gained in Egypt, is ready to reclaim his destiny. His straightforward request to Pharaoh, "Let me depart, that I may go to my own country," signals not merely a desire to return home, but the imminent re-emergence of Edomite hostility toward Israel. This event directly fulfills God's warning and judgment on Solomon for his disobedience (1 Ki 11:9-11), underscoring the Lord's sovereign control over international affairs to execute His divine will. This verse is the inception point of an intensifying struggle, shifting from the era of peace and blessing under Solomon to a time of strife and future fragmentation for Israel.