What is the meaning of Genesis 36:35? When Husham died • Genesis 36:34–35 reminds us that “When Husham died…” a transition of power occurred in Edom. • Husham’s death marks the end of one king and the beginning of another, showing that Edom had a succession of monarchs long before Israel asked for one (Genesis 36:31; 1 Samuel 8:5). • The verse underscores God’s providence over nations—kings rise and pass away under His timing (Psalm 75:6-7). Hadad son of Bedad • The new ruler is introduced simply: “Hadad son of Bedad.” Like Esau (Genesis 25:30), these are historical individuals, members of the Edomite line. • 1 Chronicles 1:46 parallels this statement, confirming the reliability of Genesis’ record. • Hadad’s lineage ties him back to Esau, fulfilling the promise that Esau’s descendants would become a nation with rulers of their own (Genesis 25:23; Genesis 36:15-19). Who defeated Midian • Scripture notes Hadad “defeated Midian,” spotlighting a significant military victory. • Midian often opposed God’s people (Numbers 25:17-18; Judges 6:1-2). Hadad’s triumph shows Edom’s growing regional strength. • This victory also hints at ongoing hostilities among Abraham’s wider family branches, as Midian descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). In the country of Moab • The battle took place “in the country of Moab,” east of the Dead Sea (Genesis 19:37; Deuteronomy 2:9). • Edom, Midian, and Moab shared borders, so conflict over pasturelands and trade routes was common (Numbers 22:3-4). • God had allotted specific territories for each; yet human ambition sparked wars, illustrating the consequences of sin in a fallen world (James 4:1-2). Reigned in his place • After Husham, Hadad “reigned in his place,” keeping the steady line of Edomite kingship (Genesis 36:31). • The orderly succession contrasts with Israel’s later demand for a king, which stemmed from wanting to be “like all the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:19-20). • Edom’s early monarchy fulfills God’s word that Esau would have a distinct national identity separate from Jacob (Genesis 27:39-40). And the name of his city was Avith • Hadad ruled from Avith, a city whose exact location is lost but lay within Edomite territory (1 Chronicles 1:46). • Naming the capital affirms the historical groundedness of the text; real places anchor real events (Numbers 33:45-46). • Though Avith is obscure today, its mention testifies that God’s Word records even small details with precision (Proverbs 30:5). summary Genesis 36:35 records an authentic moment in Edom’s royal history: after Husham’s death, Hadad son of Bedad rose to the throne, achieved a notable victory over Midian in Moab, and ruled from the city of Avith. Each phrase highlights God’s sovereign guidance over nations, the fulfillment of promises to Esau, and the accuracy of Scripture’s historical detail. |
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