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Hadad

Hadad was an Edomite prince who became a political adversary to King Solomon, demonstrating how God uses circumstances to humble even the wisest earthly rulers.

Overview

Hadad was a member of the royal house of Edom who escaped as a child when King David conquered Edom, killing many Edomites including Hadad's father (1 Kings 11:14-16). He fled to Egypt where Pharaoh gave him shelter and favor, even providing him with a wife from the Egyptian royal family. Years later, when David and Joab died, Hadad returned to Edom to become an adversary against Solomon's kingdom (1 Kings 11:21-22).

Key Scriptures

"The LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite" (1 Kings 11:14, ESV). "So Hadad fled to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, and was given a house and assigned an allowance of food and received favor in the sight of Pharaoh" (1 Kings 11:17, ESV). "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, ESV).

Application

Remember that God's sovereignty extends over all circumstances and opposition, often using adversity to redirect our hearts toward dependence on Him rather than earthly power.

Scripture References 9
Full Topical Reference List 9 total — Nave's Topical Bible