Bible Figure
Hadad the Edomite
human biblical figure
Hadad the Edomite was a member of Edom's royal family who escaped Joab's campaign as a child, lived in Egypt, and later became an adversary of Solomon.
Biography
First Kings 11 says Hadad was of the royal house of Edom. When David's commander Joab devastated Edom, the young Hadad fled with Edomite servants to Egypt. Pharaoh received him favorably, gave him a house, land, and food, and later gave him the sister of Queen Tahpenes as wife. After David and Joab died, Hadad asked to return to his homeland. Scripture identifies him as one of the adversaries whom the Lord raised against Solomon as judgment for Solomon's unfaithfulness.
Biblical Significance
Hadad's opposition illustrates the political consequences of Solomon's spiritual decline. His history also connects Solomon's reign with unresolved hostility created during David's wars in Edom.