Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Hadarezer, also known as Hadadezer, was a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the historical narratives concerning the reign of King David. He was the king of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom located in the region of Aram, north of Israel. His interactions with David are primarily recorded in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.
Biblical References:Hadarezer is mentioned in several passages, most notably in
2 Samuel 8 and
1 Chronicles 18. These accounts describe his conflicts with King David and the subsequent outcomes of these encounters.
Conflict with David:Hadarezer's kingdom of Zobah was a powerful entity during the time of David. The biblical narrative in
2 Samuel 8:3-4 states, "David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his control along the Euphrates River. David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses but spared enough for a hundred chariots."
This passage highlights David's military prowess and strategic acumen. The defeat of Hadarezer was a significant victory for David, as it not only expanded his territory but also weakened a formidable adversary.
Alliances and Further Conflicts:Hadarezer's defeat did not end his influence or the conflicts in the region. In
2 Samuel 10, Hadarezer is mentioned again in the context of a coalition against Israel. The Ammonites, seeking to strengthen their position against David, hired Aramean forces from Hadarezer's domain. However, this alliance was ultimately unsuccessful, as David's forces, led by Joab and Abishai, defeated the coalition.
1 Chronicles 19:16 provides additional insight: "When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them." Despite these reinforcements, David's forces prevailed, further solidifying Israel's dominance in the region.
Significance in David's Reign:The conflicts with Hadarezer and his allies were pivotal in establishing David's kingdom as a dominant power in the Near East. The victories over Hadarezer not only expanded Israel's borders but also secured trade routes and increased the nation's wealth and influence. The spoils of war, including gold, silver, and bronze, were dedicated to the Lord, as noted in
2 Samuel 8:7-8 : "David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. And from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a great amount of bronze."
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the narrative of Hadarezer's defeat underscores the theme of divine favor and providence in the life of David. The victories over Hadarezer and other adversaries are often attributed to God's support for David, as seen in
2 Samuel 8:6 : "The LORD gave David victory wherever he went." This reflects the biblical motif of God granting success to those who are faithful to Him and His covenant.
Conclusion:While Hadarezer himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his interactions with David highlight the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time and the divine orchestration of events that led to the establishment of Israel as a significant power under David's rule.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Hadarezersame as Hadadezer
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hadarezer(Hadad's help), son of Rehob, (2 Samuel 8:3) the king of the Aramite state of Zobah, who was pursued by David and defeated with great loss. (1 Chronicles 18:3,4) (B.C. 1035.) After the first repulse of the Ammonites and their Syrian allies by Joab, Hadarezer sent his army to the assistance of his kindred the people of Maachah, Rehob and Ishtob. (1 Chronicles 19:16;2 Samuel 10:15) comp. 2Sam 10:8 Under the command of Shophach or Shobach, the captain of the host, they crossed the Euphrates, joined the other Syrians, and encamped at a place called Helam. David himself came from Jerusalem to take the command of the Israelite army. As on the former occasion, the route was complete.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Adod is his help, the name given to Hadadezer (
2 Samuel 8:3-12) in
2 Samuel 10.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HADAREZERhad-ar-e'-zer.
SeeHADADEZER.
Strong's Hebrew
1928.Hadarezer --Hadarezer... 1927b, 1928.
Hadarezer. 1929 .
Hadarezer. Transliteration:
Hadarezer Phonetic
Spelling: (had-ar-eh'-zer) Short Definition:
Hadarezer.
...Library
'More than Conquerors through Him'
... AndHadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and
they came to Helam: and Shobach the captain of the host ofHadarezer went...
Persistency in Wrong Doing.
... ThenHadarezer had had quite enough of fighting against Israel, and he made peace
with David, and "So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more...
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <....
Thesaurus
Hadarezer (10 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
HADAREZER. had-ar-e'-zer. See HADADEZER.
Multi-Version Concordance
Hadarezer (10 Occurrences).
...Hadade'zer (18 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 18:3 And David smoteHadarezer king of Zobah by Hamath,
as he went to establish his dominion at the river Euphrates. (See RSV)....
Routed (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 10:19 And all the kings that were servants toHadarezer saw that they were
routed before Israel, and they made peace with Israel, and served them....
Arameans (61 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 10:16 AndHadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond
the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the host of...
Warred (13 Occurrences)
... Chronicles 18:10 He sent Hadoram his son to king David to inquire of his welfare,
and to congratulate him, because he had fought againstHadarezer, and smitten...
Welfare (32 Occurrences)
... 18:10 He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to
congratulate him, because he had fought againstHadarezer, and smitten him; (for...
Chun (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary One of the cities ofHadarezer, king of Syria.
David procured brass (ie, bronze or copper) from it for...
Congratulate (7 Occurrences)
... 18:10 He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to
congratulate him, because he had fought againstHadarezer, and smitten him; (for...
Hadadezer (18 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Hadad is help; called alsoHadarezer, Adod is his help,
the king of Zobah.... For the name HadadorHadarezer, see BENHADAD. LITERATURE....
Hador'am (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 18:10 he sent Hadoram his son to king David, to salute him, and to
bless him--because he had fought againstHadarezer and smitten him; for...
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