Hadad, the son of Bedad, is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies and historical accounts of the Edomite kings. His account is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis and the Book of 1 Chronicles. Hadad is noted for his reign as a king of Edom, a region and people descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 36:31-35 : The passage in Genesis provides a list of the kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. Hadad is mentioned as one of these kings: "These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his city was Dinhabah. When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 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."

2. 1 Chronicles 1:43-46 : This passage parallels the account in Genesis, reiterating the list of Edomite kings and confirming Hadad's place among them: "These were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor, whose city was named Dinhabah. When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 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."

Historical Context:

Hadad's reign is significant in the context of Edomite history. The Edomites were a neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites due to their shared ancestry and territorial disputes. The mention of Hadad's victory over Midian in the country of Moab highlights his military prowess and the geopolitical dynamics of the region during his reign. This victory suggests that Hadad was a formidable leader who expanded or defended his territory against neighboring threats.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the Edomite kings, including Hadad, serve as a backdrop to the unfolding account of Israel. The genealogies and lists of kings emphasize the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly the prophecy given to Rebekah that "two nations are in your womb" (Genesis 25:23), referring to the descendants of Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel). Hadad's mention in these genealogies underscores the historical reality of Edom as a nation and its interactions with Israel.

Theologically, Hadad's account is a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His unfolding plan for His chosen people, Israel. The inclusion of Edomite kings in the biblical record highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern world and the broader narrative of God's redemptive history.