Hadlai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the events surrounding the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. He is identified as an Ephraimite, a member of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The account of Hadlai is found in 2 Chronicles 28, which details a significant episode during the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy.

Biblical Context

During the reign of King Ahaz, Judah faced a military threat from the combined forces of Israel and Aram (Syria). In response to Ahaz's idolatry and unfaithfulness to the LORD, God allowed these nations to defeat Judah. The Israelites, led by King Pekah, inflicted a heavy defeat on Judah, killing many and taking a large number of captives to Samaria.

Role of Hadlai

Hadlai's role emerges in the aftermath of this conflict. As the Israelites returned to Samaria with captives from Judah, the prophet Oded intervened, warning the Israelites against keeping their fellow Israelites as slaves. Oded's message was a call to repentance and a reminder of God's wrath against such actions. The leaders of Ephraim, including Hadlai, responded to this prophetic warning.

2 Chronicles 28:12-13 states: "Then some of the leaders of Ephraim—Azariah son of Johanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai—stood in opposition to those arriving from the war. 'You must not bring the captives here,' they said, 'for you are proposing to bring guilt upon us from the LORD, adding to our sins and our guilt. For our guilt is already great, and His fierce anger is against Israel.'"

Hadlai's son, Amasa, is mentioned as one of the leaders who took a stand against the mistreatment of the captives. This indicates that Hadlai was likely a man of influence and standing within the tribe of Ephraim, as his son was involved in this significant decision-making process.

Significance

The actions of Hadlai's son, Amasa, and the other leaders were pivotal in averting further divine judgment upon Israel. By heeding the prophet's warning and advocating for the release and humane treatment of the captives, they demonstrated a commitment to righteousness and justice. This episode highlights the importance of listening to prophetic voices and aligning actions with God's will, even in times of national crisis.

Hadlai's mention, though brief, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel and the shared responsibility to uphold God's commandments. The narrative underscores the potential for repentance and reconciliation, even amidst the backdrop of conflict and division within the covenant community.2 Chronicles 28:12
Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,
Nave's Topical Index

2311. Chadlay -- an Ephraimite
... Word Origin from chedel Definition an Ephraimite NASB Word Usage Hadlai (1). Hadlai.
From chedel; idle; Chadlai, an Israelite -- Hadlai. see HEBREW chedel. ...
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