### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2301}}` (Chădad) functions primarily as a proper noun, a personal name. Its semantic root lies in `{{H2300}}` (חָדַד, hadad), which means "to be sharp," "to be keen," or "to be fierce." This root can describe the sharpness of a blade, the keenness of intellect, or the intensity of a gaze or sound. When applied to a person, as in `{{H2301}}`, the name "Hadad" or "Chadad" inherently carries the connotation of "fierce," "sharp," or "powerful." While the name itself does not always explicitly convey an individual's character in every biblical instance, the underlying etymology suggests a person perceived as formidable or possessing a certain intensity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2301}}` appears in several contexts within the Old Testament, predominantly as "Hadad."
1. **An Ishmaelite Prince:** In [[1 Chronicles 1:30]], "Hadad" is listed as one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, linking him to the lineage of Abraham through Hagar. This occurrence is purely genealogical, providing no narrative detail about his character or actions.
2. **Edomite Kings:** `{{H2301}}` is found in the list of kings who reigned in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites. Specifically, [[Genesis 36:35]] and [[Genesis 36:36]] mention Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the field of Moab. Another Hadad is mentioned in [[Genesis 36:39]] as the successor to Baal-hanan. These references underscore the prominence of the name within Edomite royalty, perhaps reflecting the fierce or powerful nature expected of their rulers.
3. **Adversary of Solomon:** The most significant and narratively rich occurrence of `{{H2301}}` is "Hadad the Edomite," an adversary God raised up against King Solomon following Solomon's disobedience ([[1 Kings 11:14-25]]). This Hadad was of the royal house of Edom, a child who escaped Joab's slaughter of Edomite males during David's reign. He fled to Egypt, found favor with Pharaoh, married Pharaoh's sister-in-law, and had a son named Genubath. Upon hearing of David's death and Joab's demise, Hadad returned to Edom to reclaim his kingdom and became a persistent threat to Solomon's reign. In this context, the name "Hadad" ("fierce") aptly describes his role as a formidable and relentless opponent, divinely appointed to challenge a backsliding Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root `{{H2300}}` (חָדַד), from which `{{H2301}}` is derived. This root's meaning of "sharpness" or "fierceness" undergirds the proper noun. Conceptually, `{{H2301}}` is connected to themes of:
* **Adversity:** Especially in the case of Hadad the Edomite, the name embodies the concept of an adversary, a tool in God's hand for discipline.
* **Kingship and Power:** Its use among Edomite kings suggests a connection to authority and strength.
* **Genealogy:** Its presence in the Ishmaelite and Edomite king lists highlights its role in tracing lineage and national identity.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The narrative of Hadad the Edomite illustrates God's sovereign ability to raise up individuals, even foreign kings, to fulfill His purposes, whether in judgment or blessing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2301}}` is most pronounced in the narrative of Hadad the Edomite in [[1 Kings 11]]. Here, Hadad is explicitly presented as an instrument of divine judgment against Solomon. God "raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite" ([[1 Kings 11:14]]), precisely because Solomon "turned away from the Lord" ([[1 Kings 11:9]]). This demonstrates a profound theological principle: God is sovereign even over the actions of foreign rulers and adversaries, using them to discipline His covenant people when they stray. The name "Hadad," meaning "fierce," underscores the intensity and persistence of the opposition Solomon faced, serving as a tangible consequence of his spiritual decline. While the genealogical occurrences of the name are less laden with theological weight, they nonetheless contribute to the broader biblical narrative of nations and their interactions with Israel, often framed within God's overarching plan for His people.
### Summary
`{{H2301}}` (Chădad), transliterated as Hadad, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root `{{H2300}}`, meaning "fierce" or "sharp." While appearing in genealogies as an Ishmaelite prince ([[1 Chronicles 1:30]]) and multiple Edomite kings ([[Genesis 36:35-39]]), its most significant biblical role is that of Hadad the Edomite, a formidable adversary whom the Lord raised against King Solomon ([[1 Kings 11:14-25]]). This narrative vividly illustrates God's sovereign use of "fierce" opponents as instruments of discipline for His disobedient people, thereby conveying a powerful theological message about divine judgment and faithfulness to the covenant. The name itself, with its inherent meaning, aptly describes the formidable nature of this divinely appointed challenge.
TRV