Bedad is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical records of the Edomite kings. He is noted as the father of Hadad, one of the kings of Edom. The reference to Bedad is found in the Book of Genesis and the First Book of Chronicles, which provide insight into the lineage and leadership of the Edomite people, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 36:35 : "When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith."

2. 1 Chronicles 1:46 : "When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith."

In these passages, Bedad is identified as the father of Hadad, who is recognized for his military victory over Midian in the territory of Moab. This victory is significant as it highlights the power and influence of the Edomite kingdom during Hadad's reign. The mention of Bedad in these genealogies underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Edomite kingship.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Edomites were a Semitic people who lived in the region south of the Dead Sea, in what is now southern Jordan. They were closely related to the Israelites, as both nations traced their ancestry back to Isaac, the son of Abraham. The Edomites and Israelites had a complex relationship, often marked by conflict and rivalry, as well as periods of cooperation.

The mention of Bedad and his son Hadad in the biblical text reflects the broader historical context of the ancient Near East, where tribal and familial ties were crucial to the establishment and maintenance of political power. The victory over Midian, attributed to Hadad, suggests a period of military strength and territorial expansion for the Edomites.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Edomite kings in the biblical genealogies serves to illustrate the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding the nations that would descend from him. Although the Edomites were often adversaries of Israel, their presence in the biblical narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His unfolding plan for humanity.

The account of Bedad and his lineage also highlights the theme of divine providence and the unfolding of history according to God's purposes. Despite the enmity between Edom and Israel, the biblical text acknowledges the role of Edomite leaders in the broader tapestry of God's redemptive history.

In summary, Bedad is a minor yet significant figure in the biblical genealogies, representing the interconnectedness of the nations descended from Abraham and the complex relationships that shaped the history of the ancient Near East. His mention in the context of Edomite kingship underscores the importance of lineage, heritage, and divine providence in the biblical narrative.Bedad

alone; solitary

Bedad

(solitary), the father of Hadad king of Edom. (Genesis 36:35; 1 Chronicles 1:46) (B.C. before 1093.)

BEDAD

be'-dad (bedhadh, "alone"): Father of Hadad, king of Edom "before there reigned any king over the children of Israel" (Genesis 36:35 1 Chronicles 1:46).

911. Bedad -- an Edomite
... 910, 911. Bedad. 912 . an Edomite. Transliteration: Bedad Phonetic Spelling:
(bed-ad') Short Definition: Bedad. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/911.htm - 6k

Chapter xxxvi
... And Husham died and there ruled in his stead Hadad, the son of Bedad, the man who
smote Midian in the field of Moab, and the name of his city was Avith. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Bedad (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEDAD. be'-dad (bedhadh, "alone ... 1:46).
Multi-Version Concordance Bedad (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36 ...
/b/bedad.htm - 7k

Hadad (38 Occurrences)
... (2) (hadhadh): A king of Edom, son of Bedad (Genesis 36:35, 36 parallel 1 Chronicles
1:46, 47), "who smote Midian in the field of Moab," and whose "city was ...
/h/hadad.htm - 21k

Avith (2 Occurrences)
... Avith (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad,
who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. ...
/a/avith.htm - 7k

Mid'ian (47 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the
field of Moab, reigned in his stead; and the name of his city was Avith. ...
/m/mid'ian.htm - 20k

Succeeded (81 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Genesis 36:35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian
in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith. ...
/s/succeeded.htm - 28k

Overcame (84 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:35 And at the death of Husham, Hadad, son of Bedad, who overcame the
Midianites in the field of Moab, became king; his chief town was named Avith. ...
/o/overcame.htm - 32k

Defeated (88 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Genesis 36:35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian
in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith. ...
/d/defeated.htm - 32k

Husham (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the
field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith. ...
/h/husham.htm - 8k

Stead (117 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the
field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith. ...
/s/stead.htm - 38k

Reigned (206 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Genesis 36:35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of
Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. ...
/r/reigned.htm - 37k

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