1 Kings 11:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The fleeing group traveled through Midian and Paran to Egypt, where Pharaoh gave Hadad a house, provisions, and land.
What Does 1 Kings 11:18 Mean?
The journey is traced from Midian through Paran into Egypt, where Pharaoh receives the exiled prince with remarkable generosity, granting him a house, daily provision, and land. The boy who fled with nothing finds shelter and standing in a foreign court, his future quietly secured by an unexpected patron.
God's providence works through ordinary hospitality and the open hands of strangers. Pharaoh had no thought of Israel's later history, yet his kindness preserved a life that would one day matter to the unfolding story. The verse reminds us that provision often comes from unlooked-for places, and that the path of an exile is not outside God's care. Even in a strange land, the Lord can appoint a table and a roof, sustaining lives through the kindness of those who do not know His name.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 11:18
What does 1 Kings 11:18 mean?
The fleeing group traveled through Midian and Paran to Egypt, where Pharaoh gave Hadad a house, provisions, and land.