And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

GENESIS 36:35KJV
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Genesis 36:35 (KJV)

What does Genesis 36:35 mean?

Genesis 36:35 records that after Husham died, Hadad the son of Bedad became king in his place. It notes that Hadad defeated Midian in the territory of Moab, and his city was called Avith.

This verse is part of a genealogy listing the kings of Edom before Israel had kings. The text highlights a change in leadership, mentioning Hadad’s military victory over Midian, which took place in the region of Moab. The mention of Avith as Hadad’s city gives a specific location tied to his reign.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 36:35

  • "Smote" (נָכָה, nakah): This word means to strike or defeat, emphasizing that Hadad’s rule was marked by a significant military victory over the Midianites.
  • "Field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This term refers to open country or territory, clarifying that the battle took place outside a city, in the region of Moab.
  • "Reigned" (מָלַךְ, malak): This verb means to become king or rule, underlining the transition of authority from Husham to Hadad.

Why Genesis 36:35 matters

  • This verse shows that Edom had its own line of kings and military history before Israel established a monarchy, which helps set the historical context.
  • The mention of a specific military victory (defeating Midian in Moab) suggests that these kings were not just figureheads but active leaders involved in regional conflicts.
  • Naming Avith as Hadad’s city provides a geographical anchor, helping readers trace the locations connected to Edom’s early rulers.

Where else these words appear

“Bedad” Hebrew H911 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 1:46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

“Avith” Hebrew H5762 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 1:46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

“Husham” Hebrew H2367 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 36:34 And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

“Hadad” Hebrew H1908 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 36:36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 11:19 And Hadad found great favour in the sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.