Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning:The name "Hadar" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "splendor" or "ornament." It is a name that appears in the genealogies and historical accounts of the Old Testament, reflecting the cultural and familial significance of names in ancient Israelite society.
Biblical References:Hadar is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Edomite kings. In
Genesis 36:39 , it is recorded: "When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadar reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab." This passage situates Hadar within the lineage of Edomite rulers, indicating his role as a king in the region of Edom.
In
1 Chronicles 1:50 , the name appears again in a similar context: "When Baal-hanan died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pai, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab." The variation in the name (Hadar/Hadad) is noted in different translations and manuscripts, reflecting the challenges of transliteration and transmission of ancient texts.
Historical and Cultural Context:Hadar's mention in the genealogies of Edomite kings highlights the interconnectedness of the nations surrounding Israel. Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, had a complex relationship with Israel, marked by both kinship and conflict. The Edomite kings, including Hadar, played significant roles in the regional politics of the time.
The city of Pau (or Pai) is identified as Hadar's capital, though its exact location remains uncertain. The mention of his wife, Mehetabel, and her lineage suggests the importance of familial ties and alliances in maintaining and legitimizing royal authority.
Theological Significance:From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Edomite kings like Hadar in the biblical narrative underscores the broader scope of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His purposes through various nations. The genealogies serve as a reminder of the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, extending even to the descendants of Esau.
The record of Hadar's reign, though brief, contributes to the tapestry of biblical history, illustrating the diverse peoples and cultures that interacted with the Israelites. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history, encompassing both Israel and its neighbors.
Interpretative Challenges:The variations in the name (Hadar/Hadad) and the differences in the names of the cities (Pau/Pai) present interpretative challenges. These discrepancies may arise from translational differences or textual variants in the ancient manuscripts. Scholars often examine these variations to gain insights into the historical and textual development of the biblical record.
Conclusion:While Hadar's mention in the Bible is brief, it provides valuable insights into the historical and genealogical context of the Edomite kings. His inclusion in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern world and the unfolding of God's purposes through diverse peoples and nations.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Hadarpower; greatness
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hadar[HADAD]
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Adod, brave (?).
(1.) A son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:15); in1 Chronicles 1:30 written Hadad.
(2.) One of the Edomitish kings (Genesis 36:39) about the time of Saul. Called also Hadad (1 Chronicles 1:50, 51).
It is probable that in these cases Hadar may be an error simply of transcription for Hadad.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HADARha'-dar (Genesis 36:39).
SeeHADAD (3).
Strong's Hebrew
1924.Hadar -- an Edomite king... 1923, 1924.
Hadar. 1925 . an Edomite king. Transliteration:
Hadar Phonetic
Spelling: (had-ar') Short Definition:
Hadar. Word Origin
...1926.hadar -- an ornament, honor, splendor
... 1925, 1926.hadar. 1927 . an ornament, honor, splendor. Transliteration:
hadar Phonetic Spelling: (haw-dawr') Short Definition: majesty....
1923.hadar -- an honor, majesty
... 1922, 1923.hadar. 1924 . an honor, majesty. Transliteration:hadar
Phonetic Spelling: (had-ar') Short Definition: majesty. Word...
1922.hadar -- to glorify (God)
... 1921, 1922.hadar. 1923 . to glorify (God). Transliteration:hadar Phonetic
Spelling: (had-ar') Short Definition: glorified. Word...
2316. Chadar --Hadar
... Chadar. 2317 .Hadar. Transliteration: Chadar Phonetic Spelling: (khad-ar') Short
Definition:Hadar. Word Origin a scribal error forHadar, qv.Hadar...
1921.hadar -- to honor, adorn, perhaps to swell
... 1920, 1921.hadar. 1922 . to honor, adorn, perhaps to swell. Transliteration:
hadar Phonetic Spelling: (haw-dar') Short Definition: honor....hadar. 1922 ....
1928. Hadarezer -- Hadarezer
... Hadarezer FromHadar and ezer;Hadar (ie Hadad, Hadad) is his help; Hadarezer (ie
Hadadezer, Hadad'ezer), a Syrian king -- Hadarezer. see HEBREWHadar....
1927. hadarah -- adornment, glory
... beauty, honor Feminine ofhadar; decoration -- beauty, honour. see HEBREW
hadar. 1926, 1927. hadarah. 1927a . Strong's Numbers.
1909. Hadadezer -- "Hadad is help(er)," an Aramean (Syrian) king
... From Hadad and ezer; Hadad (is his) help; Hadadezer, a Syrian king -- Hadadezer.
CompareHadar'ezer. see HEBREW Hadad. see HEBREW ezer. see HEBREWHadar'ezer....
1925. heder -- an ornament, adornment, splendor
... Word Origin fromhadar Definition an ornament, adornment, splendor NASB Word Usage
Jewel (1). glory.... see HEBREWhadar. 1924, 1925. heder. 1926 ....
Library
Chapter xxxvi
... And Baal-Hanan, the son of Achbor, died and there ruled in his steadHadar, and
the name of his city was Pau, and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter...
'More than Conquerors through Him'
... That state had apparently started into prominence under its kingHadar- ezer, as
he is called in this chapter, which is obviously a clerical error for Hadad...
Thesaurus
Hadar (2 Occurrences)... Called also Hadad (1 Chronicles 1:50, 51). It is probable that in these cases
Hadar may be an error simply of transcription for Hadad. Int.
...HADAR.
...Hadad (38 Occurrences)
... (2.) Another Edomite king (1 Chronicles 1:50, 51), called alsoHadar (Genesis
36:39; 1 Chronicles 1:51).... Called alsoHadar (Genesis 25:15). Int....
Mezahab (2 Occurrences)
... Water of gold, the father of Matred (Genesis 36:39; 1 Chronicles 1:50), and grandfather
of Mehetabel, wife ofHadar, the last king of Edom. Int....
Mehetabel (3 Occurrences)
... me-het'-a-bel, me-het'-a-bel (mehetah'el, "whom God makes happy"): (1) Daughter
of Matred, wife of Hadad orHadar, the 8th and apparently last of the kings of...
Matred (2 Occurrences)
... MATRED. ma'-tred (maTredh, "expulsion"): The mother of Mehetabel, wife ofHadar,
one of the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:39 1 Chronicles 1:50, "Hadad")....
Me-zahab (2 Occurrences)
... mez'-a-hab, me-za'-hab (me zahabh, "waters of gold"; Codex Vaticanus Maizoob, Codex
Alexandrinus, Mezoob): Grandfather of Mehetabel, the wife ofHadar, the last...
Pau (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Genesis 36:39) or Pai (1 Chronicles 1:50), bleating,
an Edomitish city ruled over byHadar. Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) See Pah....
Hadarezer (10 Occurrences)
Wife's (21 Occurrences)
... They will kill me for my wife's sake.' (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Genesis 36:39
Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, andHadar reigned in his place....
Reigned (206 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Genesis 36:39 Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died,
andHadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau....
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