1 Chronicles 1:46 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 1:46 mean?

1 Chronicles 1:46 records that after Husham died, Hadad (the son of Bedad) became king in his place, and it notes that Hadad had defeated Midian in the territory of Moab; the name of Hadad’s city was Avith. This verse is part of a genealogical list tracing the early kings of Edom before Israel had its own monarchy.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is listing the succession of Edomite kings, showing the line of rulers and some of their notable deeds. The mention of Hadad striking down Midian in Moab highlights a significant military victory, and naming his city, Avith, gives a concrete historical detail. This verse helps set the context of the ancient world’s political landscape, especially the peoples and places surrounding early Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:46

• חֻשָּׁם (Husham, ḥusham): This is the name of the previous king, whose death marks the transition of power.
• הֵמִית (dead, hēmit): This word means "died" or "was dead," signaling the end of Husham’s reign and the reason for Hadad’s rise.
• הִכָּה (smote, hikkah): This verb means "struck" or "defeated." It emphasizes that Hadad was notable for his military victory over Midian in Moab.
• עִיר (city, ʿir): The word for "city" here refers to Avith, grounding Hadad’s reign in a specific location, which helps identify the historical setting.

Why 1 Chronicles 1:46 matters

• This verse clarifies that Edom had its own line of kings and notable leaders before Israel’s monarchy, highlighting the broader context of ancient Near Eastern politics.
• The mention of Hadad’s victory over Midian in Moab shows that these kings were not just figureheads but were involved in regional conflicts and power struggles.
• By specifying the city of Avith, the verse gives a tangible detail that helps historians and readers connect these ancient figures to real places, grounding the biblical narrative in geography.