Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 11:18. It’s a really significant passage about God’s plan for Israel and the rise of a powerful kingdom. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God decides that Israel needs to become a strong, powerful nation. He wants them to be prosperous and secure. To achieve this, he sends his prophets to guide them. Eventually, God chooses a group of people from Midian (a region west of Israel) to move into Paran (an area near modern-day Lebanon). Here’s the breakdown: “And they arose out of Midian…” : This means these people came from a distant land called Midian. It suggests a historical connection, maybe with ancient traditions or a lineage. “…and came to Paran…” : They started in Paran, which was a significant city near the Mediterranean Sea. “…and they took men with them out of Paran…” : This is where it gets interesting. These people weren't just passing through; they took men with them! This shows a deliberate plan to establish a kingdom. “…and came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king of Egypt…” : Now, here’s the key part. They eventually reached Egypt. And the leader of Egypt at this time was a powerful king named Pharaoh. “Which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, and gave him land.” : This is where God gives Pharaoh instructions – he provides for the people, feeds them, and gives them land to settle. In essence, this verse describes the beginning of Israel’s kingdom growing into a powerful nation, with God providing for it through strategic movement and establishing a foothold in Egypt. What's the Significance? This passage is often seen as a crucial step in God’s plan for Israel. It demonstrates that God doesn’t just allow things to happen; He actively guides them and brings them to fruition, even leading them into challenging situations like establishing a kingdom in Egypt. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible (like Genesis or Joshua)?