from הֲדַד and עֵזֶר; Hadad (is his) help; Hadadezer, a Syrian king; Hadadezer. Compare הֲדַרְעֶזֶר.
Transliteration:Hădadʻezer
Pronunciation:had-ad-eh'-zer
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma הֲדַדְעֶזֶר (Hădadʻezer, `{{H1909}}`) is a proper noun, a compound personal name derived from two distinct elements: הֲדַד (Hadad, `{{H2010}}`) and עֵזֶר (ezer, `{{H5828}}`). The first element, Hadad, refers to a prominent Aramean storm and fertility deity, widely worshipped in ancient Syria and Mesopotamia, often equated with the Canaanite Baal. The second element, ezer, signifies "help" or "aid." Thus, the name Hadadezer literally translates to "Hadad is (his) help" or "Hadad (gives) help." This etymology immediately reveals a theological statement embedded within the name, reflecting the cultural and religious worldview of its bearer's people, who looked to this pagan deity for assistance and sustenance. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its referent, a specific historical figure, but its constituent parts carry broader theological implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hadadezer (הֲדַדְעֶזֶר, `{{H1909}}`) is identified in the biblical narrative as the son of Rehob and the powerful king of Zobah (also spelled Aram-Zobah), a prominent Aramean kingdom located north of Damascus. He appears as a formidable adversary of King David during the latter's reign, particularly in the accounts of David's military expansions. His encounters with Israel are primarily recorded in [[2 Samuel 8]], [[2 Samuel 10]], [[1 Kings 11]], [[1 Chronicles 18]], and [[1 Chronicles 19]].
In [[2 Samuel 8]], Hadadezer is depicted as a king seeking to reassert his dominion over the Euphrates River region. David engages him in battle, decisively defeating his forces and capturing a vast amount of plunder, including gold shields and large quantities of bronze, which would later be used in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (e.g., [[2 Samuel 8:7-8]], [[1 Chronicles 18:7-8]]). This initial defeat marks a significant turning point, establishing David's regional dominance.
Later, in [[2 Samuel 10]] and [[1 Chronicles 19]], Hadadezer again mobilizes his forces, forming alliances with other Aramean states, including Beth-rehob, Zobah, Maacah, and Tob, and even recruiting mercenaries from beyond the Euphrates. This coalition, spurred by the Ammonites' insult to David's envoys, represented a serious threat. Despite the numerical superiority of the Aramean forces, David's generals, Joab and Abishai, once again inflicted a crushing defeat upon Hadadezer and his allies. The narrative highlights the divine favor upon David, emphasizing that "the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went" ([[2 Samuel 8:6]], [[2 Samuel 8:14]]). These repeated defeats ultimately led to the subjugation of the Aramean kingdoms and their becoming tributaries to David's empire. The text also notes a variant spelling, הֲדַרְעֶזֶר (Hadarezer, `{{H1908}}`), used interchangeably in some passages (e.g., [[2 Samuel 10:16]], [[1 Chronicles 18:3]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Hadadezer naturally intersects with several related linguistic and theological concepts:
* **הֲדַד (Hadad, `{{H2010}}`):** The name of the pagan storm god, a direct component of Hadadezer's name. Understanding Hadad's cultic significance in the ancient Near East illuminates the theological conflict inherent in the biblical narrative.
* **עֵזֶר (ezer, `{{H5828}}`):** The Hebrew word for "help." This common noun appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, often in contexts describing divine assistance (e.g., "God is our help," [[Psalm 33:20]]). The contrast between Hadadezer's reliance on a pagan deity for "help" and Israel's reliance on Yahweh for true and effective help is stark.
* **הֲדַרְעֶזֶר (Hadarezer, `{{H1908}}`):** This is an orthographic variant of Hadadezer, appearing in parallel accounts (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 18:3]] compared to [[2 Samuel 8:3]]). While the exact reason for the variation (e.g., dialectal, scribal) is debated, it refers to the same individual.
* **Aramean Kingdoms:** Hadadezer's prominence underscores the power and influence of the Aramean city-states, particularly Zobah and Damascus, which were significant geopolitical players in the Levant during the Iron Age.
* **Davidic Kingdom:** Hadadezer's defeat is central to the narrative of the expansion and consolidation of David's kingdom, demonstrating Yahweh's faithfulness to His covenant with David ([[2 Samuel 7]]).
* **Paganism vs. Yahwism:** The conflict with Hadadezer is not merely political but also theological, representing the clash between the worship of Hadad and the worship of Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding Hadadezer carries profound theological significance, primarily serving as a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's sovereignty over all other gods and earthly powers. Hadadezer's name, "Hadad is his help," stands in direct theological opposition to the biblical confession that "Our help is in the name of the LORD" ([[Psalm 124:8]]). Despite his formidable military might and his reliance on a prominent pagan deity, Hadadezer is repeatedly and decisively defeated by David, the anointed king of Yahweh. This outcome underscores the futility of trusting in false gods for aid and protection.
The victories over Hadadezer are presented as divine acts, illustrating Yahweh's active involvement in Israel's history and His commitment to His covenant promises to David. The plunder taken from Hadadezer's cities, particularly the bronze, was consecrated for use in the Tabernacle and later for the Temple, symbolizing the transfer of wealth and power from pagan realms to the service of the one true God ([[2 Samuel 8:7-8]], [[1 Chronicles 18:7-8]]). This act signifies Yahweh's ultimate triumph and the subjugation of all rival spiritual and temporal authorities.
Furthermore, Hadadezer's defeat highlights the theme of Yahweh as the ultimate *'ezer* (help). While Hadadezer looked to Hadad for help, it was Yahweh who provided help and victory to David. This narrative functions as an object lesson for Israel, reminding them where true strength and salvation reside, and reinforcing the exclusive claim of Yahweh as the only God worthy of trust and worship.
### Summary
Hadadezer, king of Aram-Zobah, whose name means "Hadad is his help," was a powerful Aramean monarch and a principal adversary of King David. His military might and alliances posed a significant threat to the nascent Davidic kingdom. However, the biblical accounts in [[2 Samuel]] and [[1 Chronicles]] consistently depict his decisive and repeated defeats at the hands of David. Theologically, Hadadezer's story serves as a compelling testament to Yahweh's supreme sovereignty over all pagan deities and earthly kings. His reliance on the god Hadad for "help" ultimately proved futile, contrasting sharply with Yahweh's faithful provision of victory and help to His chosen king, David. The subjugation of Hadadezer and the appropriation of his wealth for the service of Yahweh's sanctuary powerfully illustrate the triumph of true worship over idolatry and the ultimate futility of trusting in any power other than the LORD God of Israel.
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