1 Chronicles 1:46
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
The phrase marks a transition of leadership, a common theme in the genealogical and historical records of the Bible. The death of a leader often signifies a change in direction or policy. In Hebrew, "Husham" (חוּשָׁם) may be related to the root word meaning "haste" or "eager," suggesting a leader who was perhaps zealous or quick in action. The death of Husham indicates the end of an era and the beginning of another, reminding us of the transient nature of human leadership and the enduring sovereignty of God.

Hadad son of Bedad
"Hadad" (הֲדַד) is a name associated with a storm god in ancient Semitic cultures, indicating the possible influence of surrounding cultures on Edomite names and practices. "Bedad" (בְּדַד) is less clear in meaning but may imply "alone" or "separation," suggesting a unique or set-apart lineage. The mention of Hadad as the son of Bedad highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in biblical times, emphasizing the continuity of family lines and the fulfillment of divine purposes through generations.

who defeated Midian
This phrase underscores Hadad's military prowess and the significance of his victory over Midian, a nomadic tribe often in conflict with Israel. The Hebrew root for "defeated" (נָכָה) implies a decisive victory, suggesting Hadad's strength and strategic capability. This victory would have been significant in establishing his authority and securing his reign, reflecting the biblical theme of God granting victory to leaders according to His purposes.

in the country of Moab
Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a region with a complex relationship with Israel. The mention of Moab situates Hadad's victory geographically and historically, indicating the broader regional dynamics at play. Moab's history with Israel, including periods of conflict and cooperation, provides a backdrop for understanding the significance of Hadad's actions and the political landscape of the time.

reigned in his place
The phrase signifies the continuation of leadership and governance. The Hebrew root for "reigned" (מָלַךְ) conveys the idea of ruling with authority and responsibility. This transition of power is a reminder of the divine orchestration of leadership, where God raises and removes leaders according to His sovereign will. It also reflects the biblical principle that leadership is a stewardship entrusted by God.

The name of his city was Avith
"Avith" (עֲוִית) is mentioned as the city associated with Hadad's reign. The naming of a city often carries significance, possibly indicating its strategic importance or cultural identity. The mention of Avith provides a geographical anchor for Hadad's rule, emphasizing the connection between leaders and their domains. It serves as a reminder of the importance of place and community in the unfolding of God's plans throughout history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Husham
A king mentioned in the genealogies of Edom, who reigned before Hadad.

2. Hadad son of Bedad
A king who succeeded Husham and is noted for defeating Midian in Moab.

3. Midian
A people often in conflict with Israel, defeated by Hadad in this context.

4. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, significant in biblical history for its interactions with Israel.

5. Avith
The city from which Hadad ruled, though its exact location is uncertain.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God in Leadership Changes
The transition from Husham to Hadad illustrates God's control over leadership and nations. Even in genealogies, we see God's hand in history.

The Importance of Historical Context
Understanding the historical and geographical context of Moab and Midian enriches our comprehension of biblical events and God's dealings with nations.

God's Judgment and Deliverance
The defeat of Midian by Hadad can be seen as a form of divine judgment, reminding us of God's justice and the eventual triumph of His purposes.

Legacy and Influence
The mention of Hadad's victory and his city, Avith, suggests the lasting impact leaders can have. Our actions and decisions can leave a legacy for future generations.

The Role of Genealogies in Scripture
Genealogies, like those in 1 Chronicles, serve to connect us to the broader account of God's work through history, emphasizing continuity and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the transition of leadership from Husham to Hadad?

2. How does understanding the historical context of Moab and Midian enhance our reading of this passage?

3. In what ways does the defeat of Midian by Hadad reflect God's justice and deliverance?

4. How can we apply the concept of leaving a legacy, as seen in Hadad's reign and city, to our own lives?

5. Why are genealogies important in Scripture, and how do they help us understand God's overarching plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 36
This chapter provides a parallel genealogy of the Edomite kings, offering additional context to the reigns mentioned in 1 Chronicles.

Judges 6-8
The account of Gideon defeating the Midianites, providing a broader understanding of the Midianites' role and interactions with surrounding nations.

Numbers 22-24
The account of Balaam and Balak, which involves Moab and highlights the region's historical significance.
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies as Symbols of the Solidarity of Our RaceW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to ChristF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Genealogies in Relation to the Church and the WorldF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 1:1-54
Israelite DescentW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
NamesW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Antiquity and Unity of ManJ. Parker, D. D.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies and HeredityW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies Indicative of Universal BrotherhoodW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
The Genealogies: What We Owe to the PastW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 1:1-54
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abida, Abimael, Abram, Achbor, Adam, Adbeel, Aholibamah, Aiah, Ajah, Akan, Aliah, Alian, Almodad, Alvah, Alvan, Amalek, Amorites, Amram, Anah, Anamim, Anamites, Aram, Aran, Arkite, Arkites, Arphaxad, Arvadite, Arvadites, Ashchenaz, Ashkenaz, Baalhanan, Bedad, Bela, Beor, Bilhan, Cainan, Caphthorim, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Casluhim, Casluhites, Cheran, Dedan, Diklah, Dishan, Dishon, Dodanim, Dumah, Eber, Elah, Elam, Eldaah, Eliphaz, Elisha, Elishah, Enoch, Enosh, Ephah, Epher, Esau, Eshban, Ezar, Ezer, Gatam, Gether, Girgashite, Girgashites, Gomer, Hadad, Hadoram, Ham, Hamathite, Hamathites, Hanan, Hanoch, Havilah, Hazarmaveth, Hemdan, Henoch, Heth, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Homam, Hori, Hul, Husham, Iram, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Israelites, Ithran, Jaalam, Jakan, Japheth, Jared, Javan, Jebusites, Jerah, Jered, Jetheth, Jetur, Jeush, Jobab, Jokshan, Joktan, Kedar, Kedemah, Kenan, Kenaz, Keturah, Kittim, Korah, Lamech, Lehabim, Lehabites, Lotan, Lud, Ludim, Ludites, Madai, Magdiel, Magog, Mahalaleel, Manahath, Massa, Matred, Medan, Mehetabel, Meshech, Methuselah, Mezahab, Mibsam, Mibzar, Mishma, Mizraim, Mizzah, Nahath, Nahor, Naphish, Naphtuhim, Naphtuhites, Nebaioth, Nimrod, Noah, Omar, Onam, Ophir, Pathrusim, Peleg, Phut, Pinon, Reu, Reuel, Riphath, Sabta, Sabtecha, Samlah, Saul, Seba, Seir, Serug, Seth, Shammah, Shaul, Shelah, Sheleph, Shem, Shephi, Shepho, Sheth, Shobal, Shuah, Sinite, Sinites, Tarshish, Tema, Teman, Temanites, Terah, Timna, Timnah, Tiras, Togarmah, Tubal, Uzal, Zaavan, Zavan, Zemarite, Zemarites, Zephi, Zepho, Zerah, Zibeon, Zidon, Zimran
Places
Avith, Babylon, Bozrah, Dinhabah, Edom, Euphrates River, Masrekah, Midian, Moab, Pai, Rehoboth
Topics
Avith, Bedad, Dead, Death, Defeated, Died, Dieth, Field, Fields, Hadad, Husham, Midian, Mid'ian, Moab, Named, Overcame, Reign, Reigned, Smiteth, Smote, Stead, Struck, Succeeded, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 1:24-34

     5076   Abraham, life of

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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