Lexical Summary Hadar: Hadar Original Word: הֲדַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hadar The same as hadar; Hadar, an Edomite -- Hadar. see HEBREW hadar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hadar Definition an Edomite king NASB Translation Hadar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs הֲדַר proper name, masculine a king in Edom (Aramaic form) Genesis 36:39 = הֲדַד (q. v.) 1 Chronicles 1:50 (so here Manuscripts, ᵑ6 ⅏ no doubt rightly, compare Di). Topical Lexicon Entry Title: הָדַר (Hadar) – Strong’s Hebrew 1924Biblical Occurrence The proper name Hadar appears once in the Hebrew canon, at Genesis 36:39. The Berean Standard Bible records: “When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred and granddaughter of Mezahab.” The Masoretic consonants allow the reading “Hadar,” reflected in several traditional translations. The context places the figure in the line of Edomite kings descended from Esau. Historical Context among the Edomites Genesis 36 offers a brief royal chronicle of Edom predating Israel’s monarchy. Hadar succeeds Baal-hanan in a sequence of eight kings “before any king reigned over the Israelites” (Genesis 36:31). His reign, like the others, is located by city and familial alliances rather than by dates, underscoring the tribal, clan-based structure of early Edom. The mention of his wife Mehetabel and her ancestry points to political marriages that consolidated regional influence. Pau (or Pai in 1 Chronicles 1:50) may have been a strategic desert stronghold controlling trade routes toward the Red Sea. Relationship to the Abrahamic Narrative Edom’s kingship develops within the broader history of Abraham’s descendants. Esau’s line achieves centralized rule generations before Israel calls for a king (1 Samuel 8:5). Scripture thereby highlights a contrast: Israel’s path to kingship waits upon divine timing, while Edom’s arises naturally through human ambition. Hadar’s short cameo thus functions as a narrative signpost: God’s covenant people will eventually have monarchs, but in the interim they must trust the LORD, not political expediency. Themes of God’s Sovereignty and Providence 1. Divine oversight of nations – Even obscure rulers such as Hadar are included in the inspired record, illustrating that “He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Ministry Applications • Patience with God’s timetable: The contrast between Edomite and Israelite kingship warns against grasping for positions God has not yet granted. Foreshadowing the True King The fleeting mention of Hadar accentuates the transience of earthly thrones. By contrast, the prophets foresee a ruler from Jacob whose dominion will have no end (Numbers 24:17; Isaiah 9:6–7). The genealogies that record Hadar ultimately direct readers toward the greater genealogy that culminates in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1–17), the King whose reign surpasses every Edomite monarch. Summary Hadar’s solitary appearance in Scripture serves multiple purposes: anchoring Edom’s historical record, contrasting human and divine approaches to kingship, and subtly pointing toward the coming Messiah. His brief reign reminds readers that God governs the rise and fall of nations and that lasting glory rests not in earthly power but in covenant relationship with the LORD. Forms and Transliterations הֲדַ֔ר הדר hă·ḏar haDar hăḏarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:39 HEB: וַיִּמְלֹ֤ךְ תַּחְתָּיו֙ הֲדַ֔ר וְשֵׁ֥ם עִיר֖וֹ NAS: died, and Hadar became king KJV: died, and Hadar reigned INT: became his place and Hadar and the name of his city |
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