1 Kings 11:18

KJV

And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran: and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt; which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they arose {H6965} out of Midian {H4080}, and came {H935} to Paran {H6290}: and they took {H3947} men {H582} with them out of Paran {H6290}, and they came {H935} to Egypt {H4714}, unto Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}; which gave {H5414} him an house {H1004}, and appointed {H559} him victuals {H3899}, and gave {H5414} him land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On their way, they passed through Midyan and arrived in Pa'ran, took with them men from Pa'ran, and went on into Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt. He gave Hadad a house, saw to it that he had food and gave him land.

Berean Standard Bible

Hadad and his men set out from Midian and went to Paran. They took men from Paran with them and went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food.

American Standard Version

And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran; and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, who gave him a house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse meticulously traces the strategic journey of Hadad the Edomite, a young royal refugee, as he travels from Midian through Paran and ultimately arrives in Egypt. It highlights the calculated hospitality of Pharaoh, who not only granted Hadad safe haven but also provided him with a house, provisions, and land. This act established a significant political alliance, setting the stage for Hadad's eventual return as a divinely appointed adversary against King Solomon, fulfilling God's judgment against the king's unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the unfolding narrative in [1 Kings 11](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and Adversaries"), which details the tragic decline of King Solomon. After enjoying unprecedented wisdom and prosperity, Solomon's later years were marked by widespread idolatry, largely influenced by his numerous foreign wives. As a direct consequence of his disobedience to God's covenant, the Lord declared that He would tear the kingdom from Solomon's son, leaving only one tribe for David's sake, as stated in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment Declared Against Solomon"). The Lord then began to raise up adversaries against Solomon, with Hadad the Edomite being the first such figure introduced in [1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14 - Hadad the Edomite Introduced as an Adversary"). Verse 18 elaborates on Hadad's journey and refuge in Egypt, providing crucial background for his eventual return to trouble Solomon, as detailed further in [1 Kings 11:21-25](/1_kings/11-21 "1 Kings 11:21-25 - Hadad's Return and Trouble for Solomon").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey described in this verse traces Hadad's flight from the brutal Edomite war, where [David's forces had conquered Edom](/2_samuel/8-13 "2 Samuel 8:13 - David's Conquest of Edom") and Joab, David's general, had remained to wipe out all males, as recounted in [1 Kings 11:15-16](/1_kings/11-15 "1 Kings 11:15-16 - Joab's Campaign in Edom"). Hadad, then a child, escaped with some of his father's servants. Their path through Midian, a desert region east of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea) and a common refuge and trade route (notably where [Moses fled after killing an Egyptian](/exodus/2-15 "Exodus 2:15 - Moses Flees to Midian")), and Paran, a vast wilderness region in the northern Sinai Peninsula, frequently mentioned in the [Israelite exodus narrative](/numbers/10-12 "Numbers 10:12 - Israelites Journey from Sinai to Paran"), highlights the arduous nature of their flight. Taking "men with them out of Paran" suggests Hadad gathered additional followers, bolstering his small entourage. Egypt, the ancient superpower to the southwest of Israel, had a long history of offering refuge (as for [Joseph's family](/genesis/46-6 "Genesis 46:6 - Joseph's Family Goes to Egypt") or the [infant Jesus](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Jesus Flees to Egypt")) but also served as a formidable enemy. The Pharaoh mentioned here is likely one of the later kings of the 21st or early 22nd Dynasty, though his specific name is not given. Pharaoh's reception of Hadad was a calculated political move, positioning Hadad as a potential future ally or even a puppet ruler against Israel, which had grown very powerful under David and Solomon.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding Hadad in this chapter powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating that the rise of Hadad is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to punish Solomon for his unfaithfulness. This highlights that even powerful kings are subject to God's will and the inevitable consequences of their actions, a principle echoed throughout the prophetic books regarding Israel's kings. Secondly, the account showcases the ancient practice of **Refuge and Political Asylum**, as Hadad, a young royal from Edom, found safe haven in Egypt, a significant regional power. This practice was often not purely altruistic but driven by strategic interests, as seen in Pharaoh's actions. Thirdly, the text emphasizes **Pharaoh's Strategic Hospitality**. Pharaoh's generous provision of a house, victuals, and land for Hadad was clearly a calculated political move, positioning Hadad as a potential future ally or even a puppet ruler against Israel, which had grown into a formidable regional power under David and Solomon. This strategic maneuvering by human rulers is often portrayed in Scripture as being ultimately under God's sovereign control, even when they act out of their own self-interest, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arose (Hebrew, קוּם _qum_):** This verb signifies "to rise up," "to stand," or "to establish." In this context, it denotes a purposeful and determined movement. It's not merely a passive journey but an active, deliberate act of setting out, emphasizing Hadad's resolve and the urgency of his flight and subsequent strategic relocation.
* **Victuals (Hebrew, לֶחֶם _lechem_):** Literally meaning "bread," this term broadly refers to food, provisions, or sustenance. Pharaoh's provision of "victuals" indicates a commitment to Hadad's ongoing welfare and maintenance, ensuring his basic needs were met and signaling a long-term investment rather than a temporary handout.
* **Land (Hebrew, אֶרֶץ _eretz_):** This word can mean "earth," "ground," or "territory/country." In this specific context, "land" refers to a grant of territory or property. This was a significant gesture, as it provided Hadad with a base, a source of income, and a tangible stake in Egypt, elevating his status from a mere refugee to a recognized, albeit dependent, dignitary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they arose out of Midian, and came to Paran:"** This clause describes the initial leg of Hadad's journey after escaping Edom. "They" refers to Hadad and his small band of loyal servants. Midian and Paran were arid, wilderness regions, emphasizing the arduous nature of their flight and the considerable distance they put between themselves and the slaughter in Edom. This segment highlights their survival and persistence in hostile environments.
* **"and they took men with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt;"** This part of the verse indicates a significant development: Hadad's entourage grew in Paran. This suggests he was either gathering additional followers or attracting support, indicating a shift from mere flight to a more strategic movement. Their ultimate destination, Egypt, underscores its reputation as a powerful kingdom and a potential haven for those seeking asylum or political leverage. The direct approach "unto Pharaoh king of Egypt" signifies their intent to appeal to the highest authority for protection and support.
* **"which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land."** This final clause details Pharaoh's comprehensive provision for Hadad. The grant of "an house" established his residence and status; "victuals" ensured his sustenance; and "land" granted him a base of operations and a degree of independence. This was not merely an act of charity but a calculated political maneuver, indicating Pharaoh's intention to cultivate Hadad as a future asset, potentially to destabilize or counter Israel's growing influence under Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Hadad's journey and reception in Egypt employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Pharaoh's comprehensive provision for Hadad subtly yet powerfully hints at Hadad's future role as a serious adversary to Solomon. This careful establishment of Hadad's secure position in Egypt builds narrative tension for his eventual return. There is also an element of **Irony** in the fact that Solomon, whose kingdom was expanded through military might (including the conquest of Edom), now faces a threat nurtured by the very consequences of his own kingdom's expansion and, ultimately, his spiritual decline. Furthermore, the journey itself, moving from wilderness regions (Midian, Paran) to the established power of Egypt, can be seen as a form of **Narrative Parallelism** or inversion, echoing the Israelite Exodus narrative but with a significant difference: here, a foreign adversary finds refuge and strength in Egypt, a land from which God delivered Israel. This reversal underscores the precariousness of Israel's position when its king deviates from God's covenant. Finally, the entire sequence, though driven by human political maneuvering, serves as a powerful demonstration of **Divine Providence**, showing how God orchestrates events and uses human choices, even those of foreign kings, to fulfill His declared judgments and purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Hadad's journey and Pharaoh's strategic hospitality in 1 Kings 11:18 serves as a vivid illustration of God's active sovereignty in human affairs, particularly in the context of divine judgment. While human agents like Pharaoh act out of political self-interest, the biblical narrative consistently frames these events as God raising up adversaries against Solomon due to his apostasy. This highlights the principle that disobedience to God's covenant carries tangible consequences, even for the most blessed and powerful individuals. God does not abandon His promises, but He also holds His people, and especially their leaders, accountable for their faithfulness. The rise of Hadad demonstrates that God can use unexpected means and foreign powers to bring about His purposes, even to correct or punish His own people. It underscores that no earthly power, no matter how great, is beyond the reach of divine will, and that God's justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "God's Sovereignty Over Good and Evil")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Hadad the Edomite, though seemingly a minor historical detail, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that even great blessings and wisdom, like Solomon's, do not exempt individuals from the consequences of turning away from God's commands. Our choices, particularly those involving compromise with worldly values or idolatry, have ripple effects that can lead to unforeseen challenges and the raising of "adversaries" in our lives. This passage also powerfully illustrates God's active sovereignty in adversity; the rise of Hadad was not random but divinely orchestrated. Even in what appears to be political maneuvering or personal hardship, God can be at work, using circumstances and people (even those who seem to be "enemies") to fulfill His purposes, bring about justice, or call us to correction. We are therefore called to remain vigilant in our faith, even in times of prosperity, and to avoid compromising our convictions for worldly gain or comfort, trusting that God's hand is sovereign over all events.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God raises up "adversaries" or challenges in my life, whether personal or professional? Do I recognize His hand in them?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be compromising my faith or spiritual integrity for the sake of comfort, acceptance, or worldly gain?**
* **How does the story of Hadad remind me of God's active sovereignty, even in seemingly political or secular events, and how does this impact my prayer life and trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Who was Hadad the Edomite, and why was he in Egypt?**

Answer: Hadad was a royal prince of Edom who, as a child, narrowly escaped the slaughter of Edomite males carried out by King David's general, Joab, after Israel conquered Edom. He fled with some loyal servants, eventually finding refuge and political asylum in Egypt. His presence in Egypt was not accidental; it was a strategic move by Pharaoh. Pharaoh saw an opportunity to cultivate a potential future rival or puppet against Israel, which had become a dominant regional power under David and Solomon, thereby serving Egypt's geopolitical interests. This is part of God's plan to raise up adversaries against Solomon due to his unfaithfulness, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14 - Hadad the Edomite Introduced").

**What was the significance of Pharaoh giving Hadad "an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land"?**

Answer: This act signifies much more than mere charity; it was a formal grant of political asylum and a calculated strategic investment. Providing "an house" established his residence and status within the Egyptian court. "Victuals" ensured his sustenance and ongoing support. "Land" granted him a base of operations, a source of income, and a tangible stake in Egypt, elevating his status from a mere refugee to a recognized, albeit dependent, dignitary. This comprehensive provision indicates Pharaoh's clear intention to cultivate Hadad as a future asset, potentially to destabilize or counter Israel's growing influence. It was a calculated political move to foster an adversary against Solomon, as further elaborated in [1 Kings 11:21-25](/1_kings/11-21 "1 Kings 11:21-25 - Hadad's Return and Trouble for Solomon").

**How does this verse relate to God's judgment on Solomon?**

Answer: This verse directly illustrates the fulfillment of God's judgment declared in [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). Because Solomon turned away from the Lord and embraced idolatry, God promised to tear the kingdom from him and raise up adversaries. Hadad is explicitly identified as one such adversary, raised up by the Lord ([1 Kings 11:14](/1_kings/11-14 "1 Kings 11:14 - The Lord Raised Up an Adversary")). Pharaoh's support of Hadad, though a human political maneuver driven by self-interest, serves as a divinely orchestrated means to bring about the consequences of Solomon's disobedience. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and kings, using even their political machinations to achieve His righteous purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Hadad the Edomite's rise as an adversary to Solomon, facilitated by Pharaoh, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate King and His perfect reign. Solomon, despite his initial wisdom and God-given prosperity, ultimately failed as a king, turning to idolatry and compromising his covenant with God. This failure led to divine judgment, manifested in the raising of adversaries like Hadad, who found refuge and provision in a foreign land before returning to trouble Israel. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the perfect King, the true Son of David, who never faltered in His obedience to God. While Solomon faced adversaries due to his sin, Christ, though sinless, willingly became an "adversary" to sin and death, facing the ultimate opposition on the cross. He did not seek refuge in an earthly kingdom but came from heaven, making His dwelling among us, and offering true refuge and provision to all who believe in Him ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Unlike Pharaoh's strategic and self-interested provision for Hadad, God's provision for humanity in Christ is born of pure, sacrificial love, offering eternal "house," "victuals" (the bread of life, [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")), and "land" (a spiritual inheritance, [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")) in His kingdom. Ultimately, while Hadad was a temporary instrument of judgment against a failing earthly king, Christ is the eternal King who brings ultimate judgment upon sin and establishes an everlasting kingdom of righteousness, fulfilling all of God's promises and providing the perfect, unwavering reign that Solomon could not.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 10:12

And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.

Deuteronomy 1:1

¶ These [be] the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red [sea], between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab.

Deuteronomy 33:2

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them.

Genesis 25:2

And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

Numbers 25:6

¶ And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who [were] weeping [before] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Genesis 14:6

And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which [is] by the wilderness.

Genesis 25:4

And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these [were] the children of Keturah.