Definition: That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites of his fatherâs servants with him, to go into Egypt; Hadad [being] yet a little child.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important and disturbing passage from the Book of 1 Kings. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where a man named Hadad is fleeing from God’s justice. He and a group of people, primarily Edomites (a tribe from southern Egypt), are trying to escape punishment for a terrible crime. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “1 Kings 11:17 That Hadad fled…” - This tells us the story is about a man named Hadad. It’s a significant event because he’s fleeing something bad. “…he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him.” – This clarifies who was fleeing. He wasn't alone; he had help from people from Edom, who were under the authority of Hadad’s father. This suggests a system of oppression or control. “to go into Egypt…” - Hadad is trying to escape punishment – this is key! The Bible says he was doing something wrong. “Hadad [being] yet a little child.” – This is the really shocking part. It tells us that Hadad was still young when he fled. He wasn’t fully responsible for his actions yet. What does this mean in terms of God's perspective? This verse speaks to a serious challenge to God's authority and justice. It suggests: A Pattern of Sin: Hadad's fleeing is a sign that he was engaging in a pattern of wrongdoing. God’s Wrath: The Bible says that God will punish those who disobey him, and this verse shows that He is angry with Hadad because of his actions. A Plea for Justice: It implies that God is watching and waiting for the consequences of Hadad's behavior to be revealed. Important Note: This story is a significant part of the Old Testament and it’s often interpreted as a foreshadowing of events in the Book of Revelation, where Hadad becomes a symbol of evil and rebellion against God. In short, this verse describes a man fleeing punishment for a terrible act, highlighting God's justice and warning us to turn away from wrongdoing. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical figure or event? Talk about the significance of the phrase "a little child"?