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 MidianMidian was a region located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, often associated with the descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah. This area is significant in biblical history as it was where Moses fled after killing an Egyptian and where he encountered God in the burning bush. The mention of Midian here indicates a starting point for Hadad's journey, suggesting a strategic retreat or regrouping before moving towards Egypt. The Midianites were known for their nomadic lifestyle and trade, which might have facilitated Hadad's movement. and went to Paran.
Paran is a desert region mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often associated with the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. It is located in the Sinai Peninsula, south of Canaan. The journey from Midian to Paran would have been arduous, indicating Hadad's determination and possibly his strategic planning to gather support. Paran's mention also connects to the broader narrative of God's people in the wilderness, highlighting themes of exile and divine providence. They took men from Paran with them
This phrase suggests that Hadad was able to gather additional support from the inhabitants of Paran. This could imply that there were sympathizers or mercenaries willing to join his cause. The recruitment of men from Paran indicates a growing force, which would have been necessary for Hadad's plans to challenge Solomon's rule. This action reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of forming alliances and building coalitions for military or political purposes. and went to Egypt,
Egypt was a powerful and influential kingdom during this period, often serving as a place of refuge or alliance for those opposing Israel. The journey to Egypt signifies a strategic move by Hadad, seeking support from a major power. Egypt's historical role as both a place of refuge and a source of oppression for the Israelites adds complexity to Hadad's actions, as he seeks aid from a nation that had previously enslaved his ancestors. to Pharaoh king of Egypt,
The Pharaoh at this time would have been a significant political figure, capable of providing military and economic support. The relationship between Israel and Egypt was complex, with periods of both conflict and cooperation. By approaching Pharaoh, Hadad was aligning himself with a powerful ally, potentially threatening Solomon's reign. This move reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region, where smaller states often sought the backing of larger empires. who gave Hadad a house and land
Pharaoh's provision of a house and land to Hadad indicates a formal acceptance and support of his cause. This gesture would have been significant, as it not only provided Hadad with a base of operations but also signaled Pharaoh's endorsement. In the ancient Near East, such gifts were often used to solidify alliances and demonstrate loyalty. This act of hospitality contrasts with the typical portrayal of Egypt as an adversary, highlighting the complexities of international relations. and provided him with food.
The provision of food further underscores Pharaoh's commitment to supporting Hadad. In a time when resources were often scarce, especially for exiles or refugees, this act of generosity would have been crucial for Hadad's survival and the maintenance of his followers. This support reflects the ancient practice of patronage, where powerful rulers would sustain those who could serve their interests. It also echoes the biblical theme of divine provision, as seen in God's care for His people throughout their history. Persons / Places / Events 1. HadadA 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. MidianA region in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. It is significant as a place of refuge and transition for Hadad and his companions. 3. ParanA desert region in the Sinai Peninsula. It serves as a waypoint for Hadad's journey to Egypt. 4. EgyptA powerful kingdom during this period, ruled by Pharaoh. It becomes a place of asylum and provision for Hadad. 5. PharaohThe 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 AffairsThe 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 ProvisionHadad'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 PlanHadad's opposition to Solomon serves as a reminder that God can use adversaries to bring about His divine will and discipline. The Importance of AlliancesThe alliance between Hadad and Pharaoh underscores the significance of forming wise and God-honoring relationships. Trusting God's TimingHadad'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 21:21This verse mentions Paran as the place where Ishmael settled, highlighting its historical significance as a place of refuge. Exodus 2:15Moses fled to Midian, similar to Hadad's flight, showing Midian as a recurring place of refuge in biblical accounts. 1 Kings 11:14-25Provides the broader context of Hadad's account, detailing his enmity with Solomon and his role as an adversary raised by God against Solomon. 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, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Allowance, Appointed, Assigned, Bread, Commanded, Egypt, Giveth, Hadad, Midian, Mid'ian, Orders, Paran, Pharaoh, Provided, Rise, Taking, VictualsDictionary 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 ScriptureThe 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 Links 1 Kings 11:18 NIV1 Kings 11:18 NLT1 Kings 11:18 ESV1 Kings 11:18 NASB1 Kings 11:18 KJV
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