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.

Generated Verse: Genesis 36:35

What does "Genesis 36:35" mean?


This verse is a simple statement of succession in a list of Edomite kings. Let's break it down:

"Husham died...": This indicates the death of the previous king, Husham. It sets the stage for a new ruler.

"...and Hadad, the son of Bedad...": This introduces the new king, Hadad. He is identified by his patronymic (his father's name), which was common in ancient genealogies.

"...who struck Midian in the field of Moab...": This provides a key piece of information about Hadad. It suggests he was a successful military leader who defeated the Midianites in a battle that took place in the field of Moab. This detail highlights his strength and possibly justifies his claim to the throne. It also suggests some of the Edomites' conflicts and priorities, mainly that they were in conflict with Midian.

"...reigned in his place.": This confirms that Hadad became the king of Edom after Husham.

"The name of his city was Avith.": This tells us the name of Hadad's hometown or possibly the capital city during his reign. This is information used to establish the geography of Hadad.

In essence, the verse is part of a historical record or genealogy. It tells us who succeeded whom as king of Edom and provides a detail about the new king's military prowess and origins.

Significance in Context:

This verse, and the surrounding chapter, are significant because:

Provides historical context: It gives insight into the political landscape of the ancient Near East, specifically the kingdom of Edom, which was a neighbor and rival of Israel.
Demonstrates God's sovereignty: Some interpretations suggest that the inclusion of Edomite kings in the Bible demonstrates God's awareness and control over all nations, not just Israel.
Sets the stage for future events: The relationships and conflicts between Edom and Israel, established in these genealogies, become important later in the biblical narrative.

The genealogical lists in Genesis 36 are often seen as a way to highlight the development of nations that were related to Israel and would play a part in their history.

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