How does Hadad's reign compare to other kings in biblical history? The verse in focus “When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.” (1 Chronicles 1:47) Setting the stage: Edom’s kings before Israel’s • Genesis 36:31; 1 Chronicles 1:43 remind us that Edom had kings “before any king reigned over the Israelites.” • Their early adoption of monarchy provides a backdrop for Israel’s later request for a king (1 Samuel 8:5–7). Who was Hadad? • Listed fourth among the eight early Edomite kings (Genesis 36:35–36; 1 Chronicles 1:46). • Son of Bedad. • Known for “defeating Midian in the country of Moab” (1 Chronicles 1:46). • Ruled from the city of Avith. What Hadad’s reign tells us • Scripture gives one achievement—victory over Midian—implying military prowess. • No length of reign, moral assessment, or covenant relationship recorded. • His death immediately ushers in Samlah, highlighting a rapid, non-dynastic turnover typical of early Edom. Comparing Hadad with other Edomite kings • All eight names (Bela, Jobab, Husham, Hadad, Samlah, Shaul, Baal-hanan, Hadad II) appear in simple, formulaic succession. • No father-to-son transitions; leadership seems based on ability or tribal consensus. • Contrast: Israel’s kingship was hereditary within David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Parallel to Israel’s first king, Saul • Both Saul (1 Samuel 11) and Hadad won early military victories that secured credibility. • Saul, however, is evaluated spiritually—his obedience to the LORD (1 Samuel 15:22-23); Hadad is given no such assessment. Contrast with David and Solomon • David and Solomon receive extensive narratives detailing covenant faithfulness, worship reforms, and temple construction (2 Samuel 7; 1 Kings 6). • Hadad’s single-verse mention underscores Edom’s political history while highlighting Israel’s unique covenant story. Another Hadad to note • 1 Kings 11:14-25 introduces Hadad the Edomite, an adversary raised up against Solomon generations later—distinct from our Hadad but showing enduring Edomite opposition. Key takeaways • Hadad’s reign, while militarily notable, is brief and secular in Scripture’s record. • His kingship illustrates Edom’s earlier, less stable monarchy compared to Israel’s later, covenant-centered dynasty. • The comparison magnifies Scripture’s larger theme: true significance of a king lies not merely in victories but in covenant faithfulness to the LORD. |
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