What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:18? Hadad and his men set out from Midian “Hadad and his men set out from Midian...” (1 Kings 11:18a) • Midian lies east of the Sinai wilderness—an area often associated with fugitives and new beginnings (Exodus 2:15; Judges 6:1). • Hadad, an Edomite prince spared from Joab’s slaughter (1 Kings 11:14–17), is now actively moving toward his divinely ordained role as an adversary to Solomon (1 Kings 11:25). • The Lord had already “raised up” Hadad for this purpose (1 Kings 11:14), showing God’s sovereignty even in the choices of displaced peoples. Went to Paran “...and went to Paran.” (1 Kings 11:18b) • Paran is the same wilderness where Israel camped during the exodus (Numbers 10:12; Deuteronomy 1:1). • Stopping here recalls God’s historic use of barren places to shape future leaders (cf. 1 Samuel 22:1–2 for David in Adullam). • Paran also provides distance from Midian’s territory, helping Hadad avoid detection while regrouping. They took men from Paran with them “They took men from Paran with them...” (1 Kings 11:18c) • Gathering local fighters strengthened Hadad’s band, transforming refugees into a small army—echoing how David accrued followers in his own exile (1 Samuel 22:2). • This expansion signals intent: Hadad is not seeking permanent refuge but strategic advantage for future conflict (1 Kings 11:25). • God often permits such alliances to fulfill larger purposes, as He later does with Rezon of Damascus (1 Kings 11:23). Went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt “...and went to Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt...” (1 Kings 11:18d) • Egypt regularly served as a refuge when Canaan’s political climate turned hostile (Genesis 12:10; 42:1–3; Jeremiah 43:4–7). • Pharaoh’s Egypt was far from Solomon’s reach, offering Hadad security while placing him in the orbit of a major power. • Ironically, Solomon himself sought favor with Egypt by marrying Pharaoh’s daughter (1 Kings 3:1), yet another Egyptian monarch is now harboring Hadad—an early hint of strained foreign relations. Who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food “...who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food.” (1 Kings 11:18e) • Pharaoh’s generosity mirrors earlier episodes where foreign rulers granted land and provisions to exiled families (Genesis 47:11–12 for Jacob; 2 Kings 25:29–30 for Jehoiachin). • Such hospitality elevated Hadad from refugee to royal guest, equipping him with resources to plot his eventual return. • God’s providence is evident: supplying an opponent for Solomon fulfills the word spoken to Solomon regarding consequences for disobedience (1 Kings 11:9–11). summary Hadad’s journey traces a deliberate path: fleeing Midian, regrouping in Paran, recruiting fighters, and securing royal backing in Egypt. Each step unveils God’s unseen hand—guiding an Edomite survivor toward a future role as Solomon’s adversary. The verse underscores the Lord’s control over international movements, resources, and alliances, ensuring His covenant purposes stand even when His people falter. |
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