King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 1:46 Mean?
“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.”
Context
44
And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
45
And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.
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.
47
And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.
48
And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(46) **Hadad.**—The name of a Syrian deity, a form of the sun-god. (Comp. the royal titles, Ben-hadad and Hadadezer, 1Chronicles 18:3, and the Note on 2Kings 5:18.) Hadad is the same as Dadi, a Syrian title of Rimmon. Perhaps the classical Attis is equivalent to Dadis. The cry of the vintagers (*hēdād*) seems to show that Hadad, like Bacchus, was regarded as the giver of the grapes (Isaiah 16:9-10).
**Which smote Midian.**—A glimpse of the restless feuds which prevailed from time immemorial between these tribes and peoples of kindred origin. Like the judges of Israel, the kings of Edom seem to have been raised to their position owing to special emergencies.
**The field of Moab.**—That is, *the open country.*
**Avith.**—Like Dinhabah, and Pai, and Masretah, unknown beyond this passage. In the Hebrew of Chron. it is spelt, *Ayuth;* in Genesis 36 *Awith.* The letters *w* and *y* have been transposed in our text.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Chronicles 1:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.