Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 1:46 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 1:46

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 1:46 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

1 Chronicles 1:46 (KJV)