King Solomon’s adversary, Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14), took refuge in Egypt during Solomon’s reign (971-931 BC). Pharaoh grew to trust him and provided for him while he stayed there. Eventually, “Then Pharaoh said to him, ‘But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own country?’ And he answered, ‘Nothing; nevertheless you must surely let me go.’” (v.22) The king of Egypt questions why Hadad would choose to leave such favorable conditions and return to his homeland—an inquiry that implies the Pharaoh had given Hadad all he could possibly need. This moment reveals a sense of perplexity on the Egyptian ruler’s part, since hosting a potential ally or asset in his court should have incentivized Hadad to stay.
In the land of Egypt, which stretches prominently along the Nile River in northeastern Africa, rulers such as the Pharaoh in this passage held considerable power. Egypt’s position, especially around the time of Solomon’s monarchy, was influential throughout the region. Pharaoh’s question, “But what have you lacked with me, … you are seeking to go to your own country?” (v.22), underscores how thoroughly Pharaoh had cared for Hadad. Despite this, Hadad insists on leaving, saying “Nothing; nevertheless you must surely let me go.” (v.22) He acknowledges that he has lacked for nothing under the Egyptian king’s provision, except for his homeland ties that draw him away.
Historically, Hadad’s decision to return played into the broader narrative of Solomon’s later troubles, contributing to his political challenges. Much like the story of Jesus briefly sojourning in Egypt (Matthew 2:13), foreigners who found safety in that land were sometimes called back to God’s purposes elsewhere. Hadad’s departure shows how even foreign alliances cannot fully address the deeper spiritual undercurrents at work in Israel’s history. By letting Hadad go, Pharaoh unwittingly set events in motion that would affect Solomon and the kingdom he led.
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1 Kings 11:22 meaning
King Solomon’s adversary, Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14), took refuge in Egypt during Solomon’s reign (971-931 BC). Pharaoh grew to trust him and provided for him while he stayed there. Eventually, “Then Pharaoh said to him, ‘But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you are seeking to go to your own country?’ And he answered, ‘Nothing; nevertheless you must surely let me go.’” (v.22) The king of Egypt questions why Hadad would choose to leave such favorable conditions and return to his homeland—an inquiry that implies the Pharaoh had given Hadad all he could possibly need. This moment reveals a sense of perplexity on the Egyptian ruler’s part, since hosting a potential ally or asset in his court should have incentivized Hadad to stay.
In the land of Egypt, which stretches prominently along the Nile River in northeastern Africa, rulers such as the Pharaoh in this passage held considerable power. Egypt’s position, especially around the time of Solomon’s monarchy, was influential throughout the region. Pharaoh’s question, “But what have you lacked with me, … you are seeking to go to your own country?” (v.22), underscores how thoroughly Pharaoh had cared for Hadad. Despite this, Hadad insists on leaving, saying “Nothing; nevertheless you must surely let me go.” (v.22) He acknowledges that he has lacked for nothing under the Egyptian king’s provision, except for his homeland ties that draw him away.
Historically, Hadad’s decision to return played into the broader narrative of Solomon’s later troubles, contributing to his political challenges. Much like the story of Jesus briefly sojourning in Egypt (Matthew 2:13), foreigners who found safety in that land were sometimes called back to God’s purposes elsewhere. Hadad’s departure shows how even foreign alliances cannot fully address the deeper spiritual undercurrents at work in Israel’s history. By letting Hadad go, Pharaoh unwittingly set events in motion that would affect Solomon and the kingdom he led.