Genesis 36:35
When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith.
When Husham died
This phrase marks a transition of leadership among the Edomite kings. Husham's death signifies the end of his reign, which is part of the genealogical and historical record of Esau's descendants. The Edomite kingship was not hereditary, as seen in the frequent changes in leadership.

Hadad son of Bedad
Hadad is a common name in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with a storm god. This Hadad is identified as the son of Bedad, indicating a lineage that may have been significant in Edomite society. The mention of his father suggests a continuation of a family line that held power or influence.

who defeated Midian in the country of Moab
This victory over Midian highlights Hadad's military prowess and the geopolitical dynamics of the region. Midian and Moab were neighboring territories, and conflicts among these groups were common. This victory would have elevated Hadad's status and solidified his rule. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, and their interactions with Israel are noted in other biblical accounts, such as in Numbers 22-25.

reigned in his place
Hadad's ascension to the throne indicates a peaceful transition of power, which was not always the case in ancient monarchies. This phrase underscores the stability of Edomite governance during this period, despite the frequent changes in leadership.

And the name of his city was Avith
Avith is identified as Hadad's city, suggesting it was his capital or a significant center of his rule. The exact location of Avith is uncertain, but it reflects the practice of naming cities after prominent leaders or events. This detail provides insight into the administrative organization of Edom and the importance of urban centers in maintaining control over the region.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Husham
A king of Edom who reigned before Hadad. His death marks a transition in leadership.

2. Hadad son of Bedad
The successor to Husham as king of Edom. Known for his military victory over Midian in Moab.

3. Midian
A people group often in conflict with Israel and other neighboring nations. Their defeat by Hadad is significant.

4. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, often associated with conflict and interaction with Israel.

5. Avith
The city from which Hadad ruled, indicating a center of power and governance.
Teaching Points
Leadership Transitions
The change from Husham to Hadad illustrates the inevitability of leadership changes and the importance of preparing for them with wisdom and discernment.

God's Sovereignty in History
The defeat of Midian by Hadad shows that God is sovereign over the affairs of nations, using even non-Israelite leaders to accomplish His purposes.

The Role of Conflict
The ongoing conflicts between nations like Edom, Midian, and Moab remind us of the fallen nature of the world and the need for God's peace and justice.

Legacy and Influence
Hadad's victory and reign highlight the impact one leader can have on history, encouraging us to consider the legacy we are building.

Understanding Context
Studying the historical and geographical context of biblical events enriches our understanding of Scripture and its application to our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the leadership transition between Husham and Hadad about preparing for changes in our own lives?

2. How does Hadad's victory over Midian in Moab reflect God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

3. In what ways do the conflicts between Edom, Midian, and Moab mirror the spiritual battles we face today, and how can we apply biblical principles to overcome them?

4. How does the historical context of Genesis 36:35 enhance our understanding of the relationships between the nations mentioned, and what lessons can we draw for our interactions with others?

5. Considering Hadad's legacy, what steps can we take to ensure that our influence and leadership leave a positive impact on those around us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 22-24
The account of Balaam and Balak, where Moab is a central location, provides context for the region's historical significance.

Judges 6-8
The account of Gideon and the Midianites offers insight into the recurring conflicts between Midian and neighboring peoples.

1 Chronicles 1:46
This verse parallels Genesis 36:35, providing a genealogical account of Edomite kings.

Deuteronomy 2:9
God's instruction to Israel not to harass Moab, highlighting the complex relationships between these nations.

Psalm 83:9
A prayer for God to deal with Israel's enemies as He did with Midian, reflecting on past victories.
Increase of Esau's HouseM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Genesis 36:1-43
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 36:1-43
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 36:1-43
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 36:1-43
The History of the Generations of EsauT. H. LealeGenesis 36:1-43
People
Achan, Achbor, Adah, Aholibamah, Aiah, Ajah, Akan, Alvah, Alvan, Amalek, Anah, Aran, Baalhanan, Bashemath, Basmath, Bedad, Bela, Beor, Bilhan, Canaanites, Cheran, Dishan, Dishon, Edomites, Elah, Eliphaz, Elon, Esau, Eshban, Ezer, Gatam, Hadad, Hadar, Hanan, Hemam, Heman, Hemdan, Hivite, Homam, Hori, Horites, Husham, Iram, Ishmael, Israelites, Ithran, Jaalam, Jacob, Jetheth, Jeush, Jobab, Kenaz, Korah, Lotan, Magdiel, Manahath, Matred, Mehetabel, Mezahab, Mibzar, Midianites, Mizzah, Nahath, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Omar, Onam, Pinon, Reuel, Samlah, Saul, Seir, Shammah, Shaul, Shepho, Shobal, Teman, Temanites, Timna, Timnah, Zaavan, Zepho, Zerah, Zibeon
Places
Avith, Bozrah, Canaan, Dinhabah, Edom, Euphrates River, Hebron, Masrekah, Midian, Moab, Pau, Rehoboth, Seir
Topics
Avith, Bedad, Chief, Death, Defeated, Died, Dieth, Field, Fields, Hadad, Husham, Midian, Mid'ian, Midianites, Moab, Named, Overcame, Reign, Reigned, Smiteth, Smote, Stead, Struck, Succeeded, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 36:35

     5290   defeat

Genesis 36:10-43

     7230   genealogies

Library
Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
SYRIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EGYPTIAN CONQUEST NINEVEH AND THE FIRST COSSAEAN KINGS-THE PEOPLES OF SYRIA, THEIR TOWNS, THEIR CIVILIZATION, THEIR RELIGION-PHOENICIA. The dynasty of Uruazagga-The Cossseans: their country, their gods, their conquest of Chaldaea-The first sovereigns of Assyria, and the first Cossaean Icings: Agumhakrime. The Egyptian names for Syria: Khara, Zahi, Lotanu, Kefatiu-The military highway from the Nile to the Euphrates: first section from Zalu to Gaza-The Canaanites:
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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