Introduction:
Hadade'zer, also spelled Hadadezer, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily as a king of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom. His interactions with King David of Israel are notable for their military and political implications. The name Hadade'zer means "Hadad is my help," with Hadad being a prominent deity in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:
Hadade'zer is mentioned in several passages within the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. His account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 8, 2 Samuel 10, 1 Kings 11, and 1 Chronicles 18 and 19.

Historical Context:
Zobah was a powerful Aramean kingdom located in the region of modern-day Syria. During Hadade'zer's reign, Zobah was a formidable force, often engaging in conflicts with neighboring states, including Israel. The kingdom's strategic location made it a significant player in the regional politics of the time.

Conflict with David:
Hadade'zer's most notable biblical encounter is with King David. In 2 Samuel 8:3-4 , it is recorded: "David also defeated Hadade'zer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his control along the Euphrates River. David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but he spared enough of them for a hundred chariots."

This passage highlights David's military prowess and the significant defeat inflicted upon Hadade'zer. The victory over Hadade'zer was part of David's broader campaign to establish Israel's dominance in the region and secure its borders.

Alliance and Further Conflicts:
Hadade'zer's defeat did not end his opposition to Israel. In 2 Samuel 10, Hadade'zer is mentioned as having sent reinforcements to the Ammonites, who were also at war with David. This alliance indicates Hadade'zer's continued resistance against Israelite expansion and his efforts to maintain influence in the region.

Subsequent Defeat and Tribute:
The chronicler in 1 Chronicles 18:3-4 reiterates the account of Hadade'zer's defeat, emphasizing the spoils taken by David: "Moreover, David defeated Hadade'zer king of Zobah as far as Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion by the Euphrates River. David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses but spared enough for a hundred chariots."

Following these defeats, Hadade'zer's kingdom was significantly weakened, and he was forced to pay tribute to Israel, further solidifying David's control over the region.

Legacy and Theological Significance:
Hadade'zer's encounters with David are illustrative of the broader theme of God's providence and favor towards Israel during David's reign. The victories over Hadade'zer and other regional powers are seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to David, establishing his kingdom and securing peace for Israel. These events underscore the biblical narrative of divine intervention and the establishment of Israel as a dominant power under David's leadership.Hadade'zer (18 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 8:3
David smote also Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to establish his dominion at the river Euphrates.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 8:5
And when the Arameans of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David smote of the Arameans two and twenty thousand men.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 8:7
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 8:8
And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.
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2 Samuel 8:9
And when Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,
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2 Samuel 8:10
then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him--because he had fought against Hadadezer and smitten him; for Hadadezer had wars with Toi--and he brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 8:12
of Aram, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 10:16
And Hadadezer sent, and brought out the Arameans that were beyond the River; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of Hadadezer at their head.
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2 Samuel 10:19
And when all the kings that were servants to Hadadezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Arameans feared to help the children of Ammon any more.
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1 Kings 11:23
And God raised up another adversary unto him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah.
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1 Chronicles 18:3
And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah by Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion at the river Euphrates.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 18:5
And when the Arameans of Damascus came to succour Hadarezer king of Zobah, David smote of the Arameans two and twenty thousand men.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 18:7
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 18:8
And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadarezer, David took very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brazen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.
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1 Chronicles 18:9
And when Tou king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah,
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1 Chronicles 18:10
he sent Hadoram his son to king David, to salute him, and to bless him--because he had fought against Hadarezer and smitten him; for Hadarezer had wars with Tou--and he had with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 19:16
And when the Arameans saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and brought out the Arameans that were beyond the River, with Shophach the captain of the host of Hadarezer at their head.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 19:19
And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and served him; neither would the Arameans help the children of Ammon any more.
(See RSV)

Hadade'zer (18 Occurrences)
Hadade'zer. Hadadezer, Hadade'zer. Hadadezer's . Multi-Version Concordance
Hadade'zer (18 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:3 David smote ...
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Hadadezer (18 Occurrences)

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Hadadezer's (2 Occurrences)

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