This verse describes a significant act of political favor and integration bestowed upon Hadad the Edomite by the Pharaoh of Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh..." This means that Hadad, who had fled to Egypt as a young boy to escape the massacres inflicted by David in Edom (1 Kings 11:15-17), impressed the Pharaoh. He gained the Pharaoh's approval and respect.
"...so that he gave him as wife the sister of his own wife..." This is the key point. Pharaoh is giving Hadad a very high honor. By marrying the sister of Pharaoh's own wife, Hadad is being brought into the Pharaoh's extended family. This demonstrates the Pharaoh's trust and favor toward Hadad, treating him almost like royalty.
"...the sister of Tahpenes the queen." This clarifies who the woman is. Tahpenes is the Queen, meaning she is Pharaoh's primary wife. The woman being given to Hadad is her sister, meaning she is part of the royal family. Identifying the Queen by name underscores her importance and, by extension, the importance of giving her sister to Hadad.
In summary, the verse means:
The Pharaoh was so pleased with Hadad that he took him under his wing and essentially adopted him into the Egyptian royal family by giving him the sister of the Queen as his wife. This was a tremendous honor, signifying that Pharaoh viewed Hadad as someone of importance and a potential ally.
Significance:
Political Alliance: This marriage likely served a political purpose. Pharaoh may have seen Hadad as a potential ally or puppet ruler in Edom, should the opportunity arise to destabilize Israel and weaken its control over the region.
Refuge and Protection: Hadad was granted refuge in Egypt and was treated with extraordinary generosity, highlighting the Pharaoh's willingness to challenge David's and later Solomon's authority.
Future Threat: The account foreshadows Hadad's eventual return to Edom after Solomon's death and his role as one of the adversaries raised up by God to punish Solomon for his idolatry (1 Kings 11:14). By giving Hadad royal status, it helped solidify his position when he would eventually return to Edom.
This verse describes a significant act of political favor and integration bestowed upon Hadad the Edomite by the Pharaoh of Egypt. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh..." This means that Hadad, who had fled to Egypt as a young boy to escape the massacres inflicted by David in Edom (1 Kings 11:15-17), impressed the Pharaoh. He gained the Pharaoh's approval and respect.
"...so that he gave him as wife the sister of his own wife..." This is the key point. Pharaoh is giving Hadad a very high honor. By marrying the sister of Pharaoh's own wife, Hadad is being brought into the Pharaoh's extended family. This demonstrates the Pharaoh's trust and favor toward Hadad, treating him almost like royalty.
"...the sister of Tahpenes the queen." This clarifies who the woman is. Tahpenes is the Queen, meaning she is Pharaoh's primary wife. The woman being given to Hadad is her sister, meaning she is part of the royal family. Identifying the Queen by name underscores her importance and, by extension, the importance of giving her sister to Hadad.
In summary, the verse means:
The Pharaoh was so pleased with Hadad that he took him under his wing and essentially adopted him into the Egyptian royal family by giving him the sister of the Queen as his wife. This was a tremendous honor, signifying that Pharaoh viewed Hadad as someone of importance and a potential ally.
Significance:
Political Alliance: This marriage likely served a political purpose. Pharaoh may have seen Hadad as a potential ally or puppet ruler in Edom, should the opportunity arise to destabilize Israel and weaken its control over the region.
Refuge and Protection: Hadad was granted refuge in Egypt and was treated with extraordinary generosity, highlighting the Pharaoh's willingness to challenge David's and later Solomon's authority.
Future Threat: The account foreshadows Hadad's eventual return to Edom after Solomon's death and his role as one of the adversaries raised up by God to punish Solomon for his idolatry (1 Kings 11:14). By giving Hadad royal status, it helped solidify his position when he would eventually return to Edom.