What lessons can we learn from Husham's death and Hadad's rise to power? The Brief Chronicle: One Verse, Big Implications “When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the territory of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith.” — 1 Chronicles 1:46 Mortality Reminds Us Who Truly Reigns • Husham’s reign ends with one stark word: “died.” • Scripture repeatedly underscores human frailty: – “As for man, his days are like grass…” (Psalm 103:15-16). – “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14). • Every obituary in the Bible whispers the same reality: God alone is eternal; leaders come and go. Raised Up and Removed by God’s Hand • “Hadad…reigned in his place.” Succession occurs because God ordains it: – “He removes kings and establishes them.” (Daniel 2:21). – “There is no authority except from God.” (Romans 13:1). • Genesis 36:31 notes Edom had kings “before any king reigned over the Israelites,” highlighting that God’s timetable, not human expectation, controls history. Victories Marked—but Whose Glory Is It? • Hadad’s résumé: he “defeated Midian.” Yet Scripture stresses that victory is the Lord’s: – “The LORD your God…goes with you to fight…to give you the victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4). – “It was not by their sword that they conquered… but Your right hand.” (Psalm 44:3). • Even pagan rulers accomplish only what God permits (cf. Isaiah 10:5-7). God’s Eye on Every Nation • Though Hadad is an Edomite, his story is preserved in holy writ. God tracks every kingdom’s rise and fall: – Obadiah proclaims judgment on proud Edom (Obadiah 1:3-4). • Lesson: No nation stands outside divine oversight, and all will answer to His righteousness. Tracing the Line to the Ultimate King • Genealogies anchor redemptive history; they guarantee accuracy and continuity. • Each mortal king, whether of Edom or Israel, foreshadows the need for a perfect, everlasting King: – “The Lamb will triumph…because He is Lord of lords and King of kings.” (Revelation 17:14). • The contrast between transient rulers like Husham and Hadad and the eternal reign of Christ drives us to place our hope in Him alone. Practical Takeaways – Hold leadership roles lightly; life is brief, stewardship urgent. – Recognize God’s sovereignty in political transitions—pray more, panic less. – Celebrate victories, but redirect applause to the Lord who grants them. – Remember that God sees and records the story of every nation and individual. – Anchor confidence not in earthly rulers but in the unshakable rule of Christ. |
    |