Genesis 36:35

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Husham {H2367} died {H4191}, and Hadad {H1908} the son {H1121} of Bedad {H911}, who smote {H5221} Midian {H4080} in the field {H7704} of Moab {H4124}, reigned {H4427} in his stead: and the name {H8034} of his city {H5892} was Avith {H5762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Husham died, Hadad the son of B'dad, who killed Midyan in the field of Mo'av, reigned in his place; the name of his city was 'Avit.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:35 records a significant transition within the early Edomite monarchy, detailing the death of King Husham and the succession of Hadad, son of Bedad. This verse highlights Hadad's notable military achievement in defeating Midian in the field of Moab and identifies his capital city as Avith, thereby providing concrete historical and geographical details that underscore the established nature and regional influence of the Edomite kingdom long before Israel had its own kings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 36 serves as a comprehensive genealogical record of Esau, also known as Edom. Positioned after the narratives of Jacob and Esau's reconciliation and Jacob's return to Canaan, this chapter meticulously traces Esau's descendants, his wives, and the chiefs and kings who ruled in the land of Edom. Verses 31-39 specifically list the kings who reigned in Edom "before there reigned any king over the children of Israel," emphasizing the early establishment and political organization of this nation. Verse 35, therefore, is a specific entry within this royal succession list, providing a snapshot of a particular king's reign and a key event that defined it, further solidifying the historical and political reality of Edom as a distinct and powerful entity. It interrupts the list of "chiefs" (alluphim) to highlight the early monarchical structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites were descendants of Esau, dwelling in the mountainous region south and east of the Dead Sea, a strategic area controlling trade routes. Their early establishment as a kingdom, as noted in [Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "The Kings of Edom Before Israel"), predates the unified monarchy of Israel by several centuries, indicating a sophisticated level of political organization for the time. The mention of Hadad's victory over Midian in the "field of Moab" places this event within the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Midianites were nomadic traders and sometimes raiders, active across the Arabian Peninsula and the Transjordan. Moab, like Edom, was a settled kingdom in the Transjordan, sharing borders and often engaging in conflicts or alliances with neighboring peoples. This context reveals a dynamic region where various tribal and national entities vied for power and resources, with military prowess being a key determinant of a ruler's standing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "The Generations of Esau"), contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it illustrates the **fulfillment of divine blessing**, as God had promised both Abraham and Isaac that their descendants would become great nations, a promise extended to Esau in [Genesis 27:39-40](/genesis/27-39-40 "Isaac's Blessing on Esau"). The detailed account of Edomite kings and chiefs confirms Esau's progeny indeed became a significant nation. Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereignty over all nations**, demonstrating that His plan encompasses the rise and fall of kingdoms beyond just Israel. The meticulous record of Edomite history, even before Israel's own monarchy, underscores that all of human history unfolds under God's watchful eye. Lastly, the chapter emphasizes the **historical veracity and interconnectedness** of the biblical narrative with the broader ancient Near Eastern world, grounding the biblical account in verifiable geographical and political realities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse succinctly details a royal succession in Edom, providing key identifying information about the new king and a significant event of his reign.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root signifies "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In the context of Husham, it marks the end of his reign and life, signifying a transfer of power. The brevity of the statement "Husham died" is typical of ancient royal annals, focusing on the transition rather than the circumstances of death.
* **Hadad (Hebrew, _Hădad'_):** Probably of foreign origin, "Hadad" was the name of an idol and several kings of Edom. Its association with storm deities in ancient Near Eastern cultures often implies strength, power, and authority. The name here identifies the specific individual who ascended the throne, carrying connotations of a formidable ruler.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); to beat, kill, punish, slay, smite." In this context, "smote Midian" indicates a decisive military victory, a powerful act of conquest or subjugation. This verb highlights Hadad's martial prowess and the significant impact of his reign on regional power dynamics.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Husham died":** This clause marks the end of one king's reign, signaling a transition in the Edomite monarchy. It is a simple, factual statement, typical of ancient historical records.
* **"and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead":** This is the core of the verse, introducing the new king, Hadad, and identifying him by his patronymic, "son of Bedad." Crucially, it highlights his defining achievement: a military victory over the Midianites in the specific geographical location of "the field of Moab." This detail not only establishes Hadad's credentials as a powerful ruler but also places the Edomite kingdom within the complex geopolitical landscape of the Transjordan, demonstrating its active role and influence in regional conflicts.
* **"and the name of his city [was] Avith":** This final clause identifies Hadad's capital city. The mention of a specific capital underscores the established nature of the Edomite monarchy, indicating a settled, organized nation with administrative centers, further reinforcing its status as a fully formed kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** and **Factual Reporting**, characteristic of genealogical and king lists in ancient Near Eastern texts. It presents information in a straightforward, unadorned manner, focusing on key facts: the death of a king, the identity of his successor, a notable achievement, and his capital city. This **Historical Record** style lends an air of authority and authenticity to the narrative, presenting the Edomite kings as real historical figures whose reigns were marked by specific events. The inclusion of geographical specifics like "Midian" and "Moab" also serves as a form of **Verisimilitude**, grounding the biblical account in the known ancient world and reinforcing its claim to historical accuracy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:35, though seemingly a mere historical detail, contributes significantly to the theological understanding of God's universal sovereignty. The meticulous recording of Edomite kings, their reigns, and their military exploits, even before Israel had a king, underscores that God's plan is not limited to His chosen people but encompasses all nations and their histories. He orchestrates the rise and fall of earthly powers according to His divine purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs. This detailed genealogy also serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises, specifically the blessing given to Esau that he too would become a great nation.

* [Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "God's Provision for Edom") - God's explicit declaration that He had given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession, reinforcing His sovereign allocation of land to nations.
* [Psalm 22:28](/psalms/22-28 "God's Dominion Over Nations") - "For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations." This psalm affirms God's universal dominion, a truth exemplified by His oversight of even the Edomite monarchy.
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons") - "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding." This verse directly articulates God's control over the succession of rulers, a principle seen in the transition from Husham to Hadad.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple verse in a genealogical list, [Genesis 36:35](/genesis/36-35 "The reign of Hadad, King of Edom") offers profound insights into God's character and His interaction with human history. It reminds us that no nation, no ruler, and no historical event is outside of God's comprehensive sovereign plan. The rise and fall of kingdoms, the victories and defeats of rulers like Hadad, all occur within the framework of His eternal purposes. This should instill in believers a deep trust in God's overarching control, even when world events seem chaotic or beyond human comprehension. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and recognize the divine hand at work in the grand tapestry of history, knowing that ultimately, all things serve His ultimate redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed history of Edom, an unchosen nation, challenge my perception of God's involvement in global affairs?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring nature of God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can I recognize God's hand at work in the seemingly mundane or "secular" aspects of history and current events?**

### FAQ
**Why does Genesis dedicate an entire chapter to Esau's descendants?**

Answer: [Genesis chapter 36](/genesis/36 "The Generations of Esau") provides an extensive genealogy of Esau (Edom) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise that Esau would also become a great nation, paralleling the development of Jacob's lineage. Secondly, it establishes the historical context of the Edomite kingdom's early strength and influence, notably existing and organized with kings even before Israel had its own monarchy, as stated in [Genesis 36:31](/genesis/36-31 "Edomite Kings Before Israel"). This detail highlights God's sovereign hand in the histories of all nations, not just His chosen people, and sets the stage for future interactions between Israel and Edom.

**Who were the Midianites, and why is Hadad's victory over them significant?**

Answer: The Midianites were a nomadic, influential people group in the ancient Near East, often found in the regions of Moab, the Sinai Peninsula, and further south in Arabia. They were known for their trade networks and occasional military engagements. Hadad's victory over them, as recorded in [Genesis 36:35](/genesis/36-35 "The reign of Hadad, King of Edom"), signifies a notable military achievement that would have solidified his power and expanded Edomite influence in the Transjordan region. This event also provides a historical marker, connecting the biblical narrative to broader regional history and foreshadowing future significant interactions between Midian and Israel, such as the conflict described in [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Israel's Vengeance on Midian") and Gideon's decisive defeat of them in [Judges 6-8](/judges/6 "Gideon and the Midianites").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:35](/genesis/36-35 "The reign of Hadad, King of Edom") details the succession of an earthly king in Edom, its inclusion within the biblical narrative ultimately points to the universal and eternal kingship of Jesus Christ. The rise and fall of Edomite kings, like Hadad, serve as a microcosm of all human history, demonstrating God's sovereign control over every earthly power and kingdom. These temporary reigns, though significant in their time, ultimately fade, contrasting sharply with the eternal, unshakable kingdom established by Jesus Christ. He is the true King of kings and Lord of lords, whose reign transcends all earthly genealogies and power structures. Unlike Hadad, whose victory was over a specific people in a specific place, Christ's victory is over sin, death, and the grave, securing an eternal dominion that encompasses all nations and all time, as prophesied in [Psalm 2:6-8](/psalms/2-6-8 "God's Anointed King") and fulfilled in His resurrection and ascension. Every earthly kingdom, including that of Hadad, ultimately serves to highlight the need for and the glory of the everlasting reign of the [Lamb of God, who sits on the throne](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - The Throne of God and the Lamb").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.