probably of foreign origin (compare אֲדַד); Hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of Edom; Hadad.
Transliteration:Hădad
Pronunciation:had-ad'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הֲדַד (Hădad), Strong's number `{{H1908}}`, is primarily a proper noun. Its base definition indicates a probable foreign origin, specifically comparing it to אֲדַד (Adad), which is the name of a prominent Mesopotamian storm god. This connection is crucial, as "Hadad" is understood to be the West Semitic equivalent or cognate of the Akkadian "Adad," a deity associated with thunder, lightning, rain, and fertility, and thus wielding immense power over nature and life.
Semantically, therefore, "Hadad" carries a dual significance in the biblical text:
1. **A Deity:** It refers to a pagan god, likely worshipped by Israel's neighbors, particularly in the Syro-Canaanite sphere. As a storm god, Hadad was typically viewed as a powerful, life-giving, yet also destructive force.
2. **A Royal Name:** It serves as the name for several kings of Edom, suggesting that the name, perhaps derived from the deity, was popular among their royalty, possibly invoking the god's power or blessing upon the ruler.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term הֲדַד (Hădad) appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in connection with the Edomite monarchy:
* **Edomite Kings (Early Period):**
* [[Genesis 36:35]]: "When Husham died, Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Avith."
* [[Genesis 36:36]]: This verse continues the lineage description, mentioning Hadad's city.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:46]]: This is a parallel account to [[Genesis 36:35]], confirming Hadad as an early Edomite king.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:47]]: Parallel to [[Genesis 36:36]].
These occurrences place "Hadad" as a recurring and significant name within the royal lineage of Edom, indicating its importance and perhaps its auspicious connotations within Edomite culture, likely tied to their patron deity.
* **Hadad, Adversary of Solomon:**
* [[1 Kings 11:14]]: "And the Lord raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; he was of the royal seed in Edom." This Hadad is presented as a direct instrument of divine judgment against King Solomon due to his apostasy.
* [[1 Kings 11:17]]: Details Hadad's escape to Egypt as a young boy after David's conquest of Edom.
* [[1 Kings 11:19]]: Describes Hadad's favorable reception by Pharaoh, who gave him his sister-in-law as a wife.
* [[1 Kings 11:21]]: Records Hadad's return to Edom after hearing of David's and Joab's deaths.
* [[1 Kings 11:25]]: Summarizes Hadad's role as a constant adversary to Israel throughout Solomon's reign.
This particular Hadad is a crucial figure, illustrating the Lord's sovereign control over even foreign kings and adversaries. He is explicitly called a "satan" (שָׂטָן), meaning an "adversary," raised up by God to fulfill His purposes in judging Solomon. This narrative highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Edom and God's use of external pressures to discipline His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of הֲדַד (Hădad) is enriched by considering its connections to other biblical terms and broader cultural concepts:
* **`{{H130}}` אֲדַד (Adad):** The direct comparison in the Strong's definition points to the Mesopotamian storm god Adad, underscoring the pagan divine association of the name Hadad. This deity was widely revered in the ancient Near East.
* **`{{H1910}}` הֲדַדְעֶזֶר (Hadadezer):** Meaning "Hadad is help," this is a theophoric name, most notably of a king of Zobah, an Aramean kingdom. Its existence further confirms the widespread worship and influence of Hadad as a deity whose name was incorporated into royal and personal names, signifying divine patronage.
* **`{{H1912}}` הֲדַדְרִמּוֹן (Hadadrimmon):** A place name mentioned in [[Zechariah 12:11]], likely referring to a location associated with the worship of a combined deity, Hadad-Rimmon, where Rimmon is another West Semitic storm god. This illustrates syncretism and the prominence of storm deities in regional cults.
* **Edom:** The nation of Edom is inextricably linked to the name Hadad, as it was a common royal name among their kings. This highlights the enduring rivalry and conflict between Israel and Edom, often portrayed as a struggle between the people of Yahweh and those who worshipped other gods.
* **Baal:** As another prominent Canaanite storm god, Baal shares many attributes with Hadad. In some regional pantheons, Hadad might have been a specific manifestation or epithet of Baal, or a distinct but functionally similar deity. Both represent the polytheistic religious landscape against which Israel's monotheism was defined.
* **Paganism/Idolatry:** The very existence of Hadad as a deity underscores the pervasive nature of polytheism in the ancient world and the biblical emphasis on Yahweh as the sole true God, against whom all other deities are powerless or non-existent.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of הֲדַד (Hădad) is multifaceted and profound:
1. **Divine Sovereignty Over Paganism:** The biblical text, particularly in the account of Hadad the Edomite, subtly but powerfully asserts Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their gods. Even a pagan king, bearing the name of a foreign deity, is raised up by the Lord as an "adversary" ([[1 Kings 11:14]]) to fulfill His divine purposes. This demonstrates that Hadad, the deity, held no true power against the God of Israel; rather, the kings named Hadad were mere instruments in Yahweh's hand.
2. **Consequences of Disobedience:** Hadad's role as an adversary to Solomon serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant. Solomon's apostasy led to God raising up external threats, illustrating the principle that divine judgment can manifest through seemingly human or political means.
3. **The Nature of Adversaries:** The description of Hadad as a "satan" (adversary) in [[1 Kings 11]] provides insight into the biblical understanding of opposition. While not explicitly demonic in this context, it shows how individuals, even foreign kings, can be used by God to test, discipline, or punish His people. This highlights God's control over all forces, both good and seemingly antagonistic.
4. **Theological Contrast:** The repeated presence of "Hadad" in Edomite kings' names stands in stark contrast to the theophoric names in Israel, which often incorporated elements of Yahweh (e.g., "El" or "Yah"). This contrast underscores the distinct theological foundations of the two nations – one rooted in the worship of a specific pagan storm god, the other in the worship of the one true God, Yahweh.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֲדַד (Hădad), Strong's number `{{H1908}}`, refers both to a prominent West Semitic storm deity, cognate with the Mesopotamian Adad, and to several kings of Edom. Its occurrences in the Bible, particularly the narrative of Hadad the Edomite in [[1 Kings 11]], underscore God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their supposed deities. The Lord raises up Hadad as an "adversary" to discipline King Solomon for his disobedience, demonstrating that even pagan rulers and the gods they represent are ultimately subject to the will and purposes of the one true God. The name "Hadad" thus serves as a powerful reminder of the theological conflict between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatry of surrounding nations, and of God's unwavering control over history and human affairs.
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