Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Hadad and Jeroboam

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Hadad

Hadad, an Edomite prince, is a figure whose actions and life are recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Kings 11. He is often noted for his opposition to King Solomon, which aligns him with the category of wicked citizens due to his adversarial stance against the divinely appointed king of Israel.

Hadad was a member of the royal family of Edom. During King David's military campaigns, Joab, the commander of David's army, struck down every male in Edom. Hadad, then a young boy, fled to Egypt with some of his father's servants. In Egypt, Hadad found favor with Pharaoh, who provided him with a house, land, and sustenance. He even married the sister of Pharaoh's wife, Tahpenes, and had a son named Genubath.

Upon hearing of David's death and the subsequent reign of Solomon, Hadad sought to return to his homeland to reclaim his position and power. His return to Edom was marked by his persistent hostility towards Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:14: "Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom." Hadad's actions are seen as part of God's judgment on Solomon for his idolatry and turning away from the LORD.

Jeroboam

Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is another prominent figure in the Old Testament known for his wickedness, particularly in his role as the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. His account is primarily found in 1 Kings 11-14.

Jeroboam was initially a servant of Solomon, recognized for his industriousness and leadership abilities. Solomon appointed him over the labor force of the house of Joseph. However, Jeroboam's ambition and subsequent rebellion against Solomon were foretold by the prophet Ahijah. Ahijah prophesied that Jeroboam would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel due to Solomon's unfaithfulness to God.

After Solomon's death, Jeroboam led a revolt against Solomon's son, Rehoboam, resulting in the division of the kingdom. Jeroboam became king over the northern tribes, forming what is known as the kingdom of Israel, while Rehoboam ruled over Judah.

Jeroboam's reign is marked by significant religious and moral failures. To prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem to worship, he established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, erecting golden calves and leading the people into idolatry. This act is condemned in 1 Kings 12:28-30: "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, 'It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.' One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves."

Jeroboam's legacy is one of spiritual corruption and disobedience to God, setting a precedent for future kings of Israel who continued in his idolatrous ways. His actions led to the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom, as they turned away from the LORD and His commandments.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 11:14-26
And the LORD stirred up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Hadad King Of Damascus And Of Syria, Made Two ... As Also What He Did For The Punishment
Of The Wicked. ... The Nation Of The Jews And Made Them Citizens Of Those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... that a number of eminently pious, loyal, sober, industrious citizens were immured ...
his severe sufferings would materially aid in destroying their wicked craft. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm