Introduction:
Hadadezer, also known as Hadarezer, was a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narratives concerning King David's military campaigns. He was the king of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom located in the region of Aram, north of Israel. His interactions with David are primarily recorded in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

Name and Variants:
The name Hadadezer means "Hadad is my help," with Hadad being a prominent deity in the ancient Near East, often associated with storms and rain. The variant "Hadarezer" appears in some biblical texts, reflecting a slight difference in transliteration.

Biblical References:
Hadadezer is mentioned in several key passages:

1. 2 Samuel 8:3-12 :
"Moreover, David defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when 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 spared a hundred of them."

This passage highlights David's military prowess and the expansion of his kingdom. The defeat of Hadadezer was a significant victory, as it extended Israel's influence and control over the region.

2. 1 Chronicles 18:3-8 :
"David also defeated Hadadezer 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 a hundred of them."

The Chronicler's account parallels that of 2 Samuel, emphasizing the strategic importance of David's victory over Hadadezer and the subsequent spoils of war, which included a significant amount of bronze used later in the construction of the temple.

3. 2 Samuel 10:16-19 :
"Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. The Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him. But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, and he died there."

This passage describes a subsequent conflict where Hadadezer attempted to regroup and challenge David's forces, only to suffer another defeat. This further solidified David's dominance in the region.

Historical and Theological Significance:
Hadadezer's encounters with David are emblematic of the broader conflict between Israel and the surrounding nations during David's reign. These narratives underscore the theme of divine favor and the fulfillment of God's promises to David regarding the expansion and security of his kingdom. The victories over Hadadezer and other regional powers are seen as manifestations of God's support for David as the chosen king of Israel.

Cultural Context:
The kingdom of Zobah, under Hadadezer's rule, was a formidable power in the region, with significant military resources, including chariots and horsemen. The conflicts between Zobah and Israel reflect the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East, where control over trade routes and territorial expansion were crucial for a nation's prosperity and security.

Conclusion:
While Hadadezer's attempts to resist David ultimately failed, his role in the biblical narrative serves to highlight the challenges faced by Israel in establishing itself as a dominant power in the region. The accounts of Hadadezer's defeats at the hands of David are integral to understanding the historical and theological context of David's reign as depicted in the Old Testament.Hadadezer or Hadarezer

A powerful king of Syria, reigning in Zobah and the surrounding country, even to the Euphrates, 1 Kings 11:23. He was thrice defeated and his power overthrown by David, 2 Samuel 8:3,4 10:6-14 16:1-19:43 1 Chronicles 18:3 19:6.

1928. Hadarezer -- Hadarezer
... Hadarezer From Hadar and ezer; Hadar (ie Hadad, Hadad) is his help; Hadarezer (ie
Hadadezer, Hadad'ezer), a Syrian king -- Hadarezer. see HEBREW Hadar. ...
/hebrew/1928.htm - 6k

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus