from הֲדַר and עֵזֶר; Hadar (i.e. Hadad, הֲדַד) is his help; (i.e. Hadadezer, הֲדַדְעֶזֶר); Hadarezer, a Syrian king; Hadarezer.
Transliteration:Hădarʻezer
Pronunciation:had-ar-eh'-zer
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Hădarʻezer (הֲדַרְעֶזֶר, `{{H1928}}`) is a compound word derived from two distinct elements: הֲדַר (Hadar) and עֵזֶר (ʻezer). The initial component, הֲדַר, is a variant or direct reference to הֲדַד (Hadad, `{{H1908}}`), the prominent West Semitic storm god widely worshipped throughout the ancient Near East, particularly among Arameans. The root of Hadar itself can convey concepts of "splendor" or "majesty." The second component, עֵזֶר (ʻezer, `{{H5828}}`), means "help" or "aid." Therefore, the name Hădarʻezer literally translates to "Hadar is help" or "Hadad is his help." This is a classic example of a theophoric name, a common naming convention in the ancient world where a deity's name is incorporated to express devotion, reliance, or a blessing from that deity. The definition explicitly notes its interchangeability with Hadadezer (הֲדַדְעֶזֶר, `{{H1909}}`), further solidifying the connection to the deity Hadad.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hădarʻezer (`{{H1928}}`) is the name of a formidable Aramean king of Zobah, a significant regional power in the time of King David. His interactions with Israel are primarily documented in the books of Samuel and Chronicles, where he is consistently portrayed as a major adversary. He is mentioned by this specific transliteration in [[2 Samuel 8:3]], [[2 Samuel 8:5]], [[2 Samuel 8:7]], [[2 Samuel 8:9]], [[2 Samuel 8:10]], and [[2 Samuel 8:12]]. He is also extensively referred to as Hadadezer (`{{H1909}}`) in [[2 Samuel 10:16]], [[2 Samuel 10:19]], [[1 Kings 11:23]], [[1 Chronicles 18:3]], [[1 Chronicles 18:5]], [[1 Chronicles 18:7]], [[1 Chronicles 18:9]], [[1 Chronicles 18:10]], [[1 Chronicles 19:16]], and [[1 Chronicles 19:19]].
The biblical narrative details David's decisive military campaigns against Hadarezer. Initially, Hadarezer sought to extend his dominion towards the Euphrates River, leading to a direct confrontation with David's burgeoning kingdom. David inflicted a crushing defeat upon Hadarezer, capturing a vast number of his chariots and horses, and seizing immense quantities of gold shields and bronze from Hadarezer's cities. Hadarezer's allies, including the Arameans of Damascus, were also subjugated by David. These victories were pivotal for David, enabling him to consolidate his power, establish Israel's regional hegemony, and secure its borders. The account of Hadarezer's wealth, evidenced by the gold shields carried by his servants ([[2 Samuel 8:7]]), underscores the might of his kingdom prior to David's conquests. The overarching theological message conveyed is that Yahweh was fighting on behalf of Israel, granting David victory over even the most powerful regional foes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1908}}` הֲדַד (Hadad):** The name of the West Semitic storm god, which forms the theophoric element in Hădarʻezer. Hadad was a prominent deity in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Arameans, revered for control over weather and fertility.
* **`{{H5828}}` עֵזֶר (ʻezer):** The common Hebrew noun meaning "help" or "aid." This term frequently appears in contexts of divine assistance, highlighting God as the ultimate helper.
* **`{{H1909}}` הֲדַדְעֶזֶר (Hadadezer):** This is the more frequently used and arguably more direct transliteration of the same king's name, confirming the direct link to the deity Hadad. The variation in spelling (Hadar vs. Hadad) reflects common phonetic shifts or dialectal differences in the ancient world.
* **Zobah:** The Aramean kingdom ruled by Hadarezer, located north of Damascus. It was a significant regional power that controlled key trade routes and military resources.
* **Aram (Syria):** The broader geographical and ethnic context of Hadarezer's kingdom, comprising various Aramean city-states and kingdoms.
* **David:** The central figure in the biblical narrative concerning Hadarezer. David's rise to regional supremacy is intrinsically linked to his decisive defeat of this powerful Aramean king, demonstrating Yahweh's favor upon His anointed.
* **Theophoric names:** A widespread linguistic and cultural phenomenon in the ancient Near East where personal names incorporated the names of deities (e.g., Elijah, "My God is Yahweh"; Daniel, "God is my judge"). Hădarʻezer exemplifies this practice, reflecting the cultural milieu of his time.
### Theological Significance
The biblical narrative concerning Hădarʻezer (`{{H1928}}`) carries profound theological significance. Despite Hadarezer's name proclaiming "Hadad is his help," the accounts unequivocally demonstrate that it was Yahweh, the God of Israel, who granted David victory. This serves as a powerful testament to Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty over all nations, their kings, and their deities. The defeat of Hadarezer's formidable kingdom illustrates that the strength of human armies or the perceived might of foreign gods are utterly subservient to the will and power of the God of Israel.
This victory was instrumental in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David, particularly regarding the establishment and security of his kingdom ([[2 Samuel 7:9-11]]). The wealth plundered from Hadarezer and his cities, including the gold shields and vast quantities of bronze, was subsequently consecrated for the Lord and dedicated to the building of the Temple in Jerusalem ([[2 Samuel 8:11-12]]). This act symbolizes the redirection of pagan resources towards the worship of the one true God, further highlighting Yahweh's triumph over the gods of the nations. The narrative implicitly contrasts the inefficacy of the pagan deity Hadad with the supreme and active power of Yahweh, reinforcing the theological truth that only Yahweh can provide true and lasting help. It underscores the theme of divine election and protection for Israel, even when confronted by the most formidable regional powers.
### Summary
Hădarʻezer (`{{H1928}}`), also known as Hadadezer (`{{H1909}}`), is a theophoric name meaning "Hadar/Hadad is his help," signifying devotion to the West Semitic storm god Hadad. He was the powerful Aramean king of Zobah, a significant adversary of King David. The biblical accounts, primarily in [[2 Samuel 8]] and [[1 Chronicles 18]], detail David's decisive military victories over Hadarezer and his allied Aramean kingdoms. These conquests were pivotal for the consolidation of David's kingdom and the establishment of Israel's regional dominance. Theologically, Hadarezer's defeat serves as a profound demonstration of Yahweh's supreme sovereignty over all nations and their deities. It illustrates that the God of Israel alone provides true help, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises to David and ultimately redirecting the wealth of defeated pagan kingdoms toward the service and worship of the One True God.
TRV