The Hebrew word Hădôwrâm, represented by H1913, is a name of probable foreign derivation. According to its base definition, it refers to Hadoram, a son of Joktan, and the tribe descended from him. The name appears 4 times across 4 unique verses, representing figures involved in genealogy, diplomacy, and political conflict.
The name Hadoram is associated with different individuals in the biblical narrative. In the table of nations, Hadoram is listed as a son of Joktan, alongside Uzal H187 and Diklah H1853 (Genesis 10:27; 1 Chronicles 1:21). In a separate account, Hadoram is the son H1121 of Tou H8583, a Syrian king H4428. He was sent H7971 as an envoy to congratulate H1288 King David for his victory over Hadarezer H1928, bringing gifts of gold H2091, silver H3701, and brass H5178 1 Chronicles 18:10. Finally, a man named Hadoram served king H4428 Rehoboam H7346 as the master over the tribute H4522. When sent to the children of Israel H3478, he was stoned H7275 with stones H68 until he died H4191, an event that prompted Rehoboam to flee H5127 to Jerusalem H3389 2 Chronicles 10:18.
Several related words provide context for the events surrounding the figures named Hadoram:
- H7346 Rᵉchabʻâm (Rehoboam): This Israelite king H4428 appointed Hadoram to a fatal post over the tribute 2 Chronicles 10:18.
- H4522 maç (tribute): Defined as a burden or forced labor, this was the office Hadoram held. His attempt to enforce this tribute led directly to his death 2 Chronicles 10:18.
- H8583 Tôʻûw (Tou): A Syrian king H4428 who was at war H4421 with Hadarezer. He sent his son Hadoram on a peaceful mission to David 1 Chronicles 18:10.
- H7275 râgam (to stone): This word describes the method of execution used by the children of Israel against Hadoram, Rehoboam's tribute collector 2 Chronicles 10:18.
The significance of H1913 is seen through the contrasting roles of the individuals who bear the name.
- Ancestral Lineage: Hadoram is first established in the genealogies as a son of Joktan, marking the origin of a tribe (Genesis 10:27; 1 Chronicles 1:21).
- Bearer of Peace: As the son of Tou, Hadoram acts as a diplomatic envoy. He is sent to enquire H7592 of King David's welfare H7965 and foster goodwill between kingdoms 1 Chronicles 18:10.
- Agent of Oppression: In the service of Rehoboam, Hadoram is the face of an oppressive royal policy. His role as master of the tribute H4522 makes him a target of the people's rebellion, and his violent death marks a crucial moment in the fracturing of Israel.
In summary, the name Hădôwrâm H1913 is multifaceted, representing more than one person in scripture. It appears in contexts of ancestral history, peaceful diplomacy, and violent political revolt. From a descendant of Joktan to an emissary of King Tou and finally to the doomed tribute master of King Rehoboam, the name Hadoram is attached to figures at pivotal points of lineage, international relations, and internal schism within Israel.
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