1 Kings 11:18
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.
Hadad and his men set out from Midian

Hadad fled as a surviving member of the Edomite royal family after Joab’s campaign devastated Edom. Midian lay east and south of Edom, along routes used by nomads and traders, providing a place of temporary refuge during his escape.

Exo 4:20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey…
Exo 2:15 When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill…

and went to Paran.

Paran was a wilderness region south of Canaan, connected with Israel’s wilderness journeys. The route through Paran kept Hadad and his companions beyond Solomon’s emerging sphere of influence while leading them toward Egypt.

Num 10:12 and the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai…
Gen 21:21 And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran…

They took men from Paran with them

Hadad’s party gained additional companions in Paran, strengthening the small band that had escaped from Edom. Their journey was not merely flight from danger but a deliberate movement toward a powerful protector.

Num 13:3 So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out…
Deu 33:2 He said: “The LORD came from Sinai and dawned…

and went to Egypt,

Egypt offered refuge beyond Israel’s borders and possessed the resources to sustain an exiled prince. Hadad’s presence there later became a source of opposition to Solomon, fulfilling God’s warning that Solomon’s unfaithfulness would bring adversaries against his house.

Gen 46:6 They also took the livestock and possessions…
Gen 42:2 “Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt…

to Pharaoh king of Egypt,

Pharaoh received Hadad because an Edomite prince could become useful in Egypt’s political dealings with Israel. Egypt’s willingness to shelter him showed that Solomon’s kingdom, though strong, remained vulnerable to foreign powers and unresolved enemies.

Gen 47:2 And he chose five of his brothers and presented…
Exo 5:1 After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said…

who gave Hadad a house and land

Pharaoh treated Hadad as a favored royal refugee, giving him security, status, and a place from which he could preserve his identity and hopes of restoring Edom.

Gen 47:6 The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father…
Gen 47:11 So Joseph settled his father and brothers…

and provided him with food.

Hadad’s preservation in Egypt demonstrates God’s sovereign control over events beyond Israel’s borders. The child who escaped Joab’s sword would later return as an adversary permitted by God to trouble Solomon’s reign.

Gen 47:12 Joseph also provided his father and brothers…
Gen 45:11 And there I will provide for you, because there will be…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hadad
A member of the royal family of Edom who fled to Egypt after David's conquest of Edom. He is a central figure in this passage as he seeks refuge and support from Pharaoh.

2. Midian
A region in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. It is significant as a place of refuge and transition for Hadad and his companions.

3. Paran
A desert region in the Sinai Peninsula. It serves as a waypoint for Hadad's journey to Egypt.

4. Egypt
A powerful kingdom during this period, ruled by Pharaoh. It becomes a place of asylum and provision for Hadad.

5. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who provides Hadad with a house, food, and land, indicating a political alliance or favor.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Political Affairs
The passage illustrates how God can use political alliances and enmities to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Hadad's relationship with Pharaoh.

Seeking Refuge and Provision
Hadad's journey reflects the human need for refuge and provision, reminding believers to seek God's provision in times of need.

The Role of Adversaries in God's Plan
Hadad's opposition to Solomon serves as a reminder that God can use adversaries to bring about His divine will and discipline.

The Importance of Alliances
The alliance between Hadad and Pharaoh underscores the significance of forming wise and God-honoring relationships.

Trusting God's Timing
Hadad's account encourages believers to trust in God's timing and plan, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hadad's journey from Midian to Egypt reflect the broader theme of seeking refuge in the Bible?

2. In what ways does the alliance between Hadad and Pharaoh illustrate the importance of political and personal alliances in our lives today?

3. How can we discern God's hand in the adversities and challenges we face, as seen in Hadad's opposition to Solomon?

4. What lessons can we learn from Hadad's account about trusting in God's provision and timing?

5. How does the account of Hadad connect with other biblical figures who sought refuge, such as Moses and Ishmael, and what can we learn from their experiences?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 21:21
This verse mentions Paran as the place where Ishmael settled, highlighting its historical significance as a place of refuge.

Exodus 2:15
Moses fled to Midian, similar to Hadad's flight, showing Midian as a recurring place of refuge in biblical accounts.

1 Kings 11:14-25
Provides the broader context of Hadad's account, detailing his enmity with Solomon and his role as an adversary raised by God against Solomon.
Divine ImpulsesJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 11:14-22
Premonitions of WrathJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 11:14-25
The Divine ChastisementsJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 11:14-25
People
Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, Zidonians
Places
Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, Zobah
Topics
Allowance, Appointed, Assigned, Bread, Commanded, Egypt, Giveth, Hadad, Midian, Mid'ian, Orders, Paran, Pharaoh, Provided, Rise, Taking, Victuals
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 11:14-26

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

Library
The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute.
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks

"When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896

Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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