1 Kings Chapter 11 · Verse 17
That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child.
Original Language Analysis
הוּא֩
H1931
הוּא֩
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַֽאֲנָשִׁ֨ים
H376
וַֽאֲנָשִׁ֨ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲדֹֽמִיִּ֜ים
Edomites
H130
אֲדֹֽמִיִּ֜ים
Edomites
Strong's:
H130
Word #:
5 of 13
an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom
אָבִ֛יו
of his father's
H1
אָבִ֛יו
of his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אִתּ֖וֹ
H854
אִתּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לָב֣וֹא
with him to go
H935
לָב֣וֹא
with him to go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַֽהֲדַ֖ד
Hadad
H1908
וַֽהֲדַ֖ד
Hadad
Strong's:
H1908
Word #:
11 of 13
hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Solomon's disobedience to God's clear commands lead to his downfall, and what warnings does this provide?
- What role do relationships and alliances play in either strengthening or compromising our faith?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his father's servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad being yet a little child.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of solomon's apostasy and death, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.