Who was Hadad in the Bible?

Hadad, son of Bedad, was a king of Edom who reigned after the death of King Husham. He is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Edomite kings found in Genesis 36:35 and 1 Chronicles 1:46-47.

What is the significance of King Hadad in the Bible?

Hadad's significance lies in his inclusion in the official lineage of Edomite rulers, showing God's fulfillment of His promise to Esau (Edom's founder) to make him a nation with kings (Genesis 36:31). His brief mention helps trace the history of a nation often in conflict with Israel.

What key events are associated with King Hadad?

The Bible records only the key event of his succession to the throne, stating he 'smote Midian in the field of Moab' (Genesis 36:35). This military victory established his reign and is the sole recorded event from his life.

Hadad

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleKing

Hadad, son of Bedad, became king of Edom after Husham's death.

Hadad

Biography

Hadad son of Bedad was a pre-Israelite king of Edom who ruled from the city of Avith, listed in the ancient register of Edomite kings in Genesis 36:35–36 and 1 Chronicles 1:46–47. He succeeded Husham of the Temanites and is noted for defeating the Midianites in the field of Moab, a military achievement significant enough to define his reign in this brief account. The names of Edom's early kings are recorded without dynastic succession, the text noting simply that one king died and another reigned after him, reflecting a non-hereditary political structure among the Edomites. Hadad preceded the formation of Israel's monarchy, as these rulers are listed among "the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned" (Genesis 36:31).

Significance

Hadad son of Bedad occupies a place in the Edomite king list that carries theological significance beyond his brief biography. The list in Genesis 36 serves as a fulfillment of God's word to Rebekah that two nations were in her womb (Genesis 25:23) and that the older, Esau/Edom, would have its own distinct national history. The flourishing of Edomite kingship before Israel's monarchy reminds readers of God's broad sovereignty over all nations, not merely Israel. Furthermore, Edom's early political organization would later be invoked by Israel's elders in demanding a king of their own (1 Samuel 8), linking this ancient Edomite tradition to one of Israel's most consequential national decisions.

Verse Appearances (4)

Genesis

Genesis 36:35 Genesis 36:36

1Chr

1Chr 1:46 1Chr 1:47

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources