Interesting Facts

• Hadoram is identified as the fifth among the sons of Joktan.
• His name is documented within the genealogical records that trace the lineage of Shem.

Genealogy

• Father: Joktan.
• He is listed as one of the twelve (or potentially thirteen) sons of Joktan, his brethren including Almodad, Sheleph/Shelaf, Hazarmaveth/Chazarmoveth, Jerah/Yerach, Uzal/Ozel, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and possibly Jobab.

Historical Context

The temporal setting for the life of Hadoram, as a son of Joktan, is situated in the epoch immediately following the great deluge and the subsequent pivotal event of the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar. Following the divine confounding of the singular tongue, the descendants of Noah embarked on migrations, spreading across the face of the earth and establishing new habitations and urban centers, often bestowing upon them names reflecting their own lineage or significant occurrences. As a scion of Joktan, who himself descended from Shem, Hadoram would have participated in the eastward movement and settlement characteristic of this lineage. The sources specify that the dwelling place allocated to Joktan and his sons extended “from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east”. This geographical marker implies their establishment in regions lying to the east of Shinar. Furthermore, the text of Jasher offers an interpretation of the name Joktan, suggesting an era in which the span of human life began its decline. Consequently, Hadoram was likely born into a world undergoing substantial demographic shifts, the genesis of distinct linguistic communities, and the initial stages of societal restructuring and the building of cities in the wake of the dispersal from Babel. The narratives also allude to the emergence of potent figures such as Nimrod and the nascent formations of kingdoms, indicating a period marked by evolving political landscapes.

Narrative

Within the extant textual witnesses, the personal narrative of Hadoram remains within the confines of genealogical enumeration. His presence is noted solely through his inclusion in the lists detailing the progeny of Joktan, thereby situating him within the broader familial tapestry descending from Shem in the aftermath of the flood and the incident at the Tower of Babel. The sources do not ascribe to Hadoram any specific deeds, pronouncements, or individual biographical details. His existence is thus documented primarily through his familial connection to Joktan and his position amongst his brothers. As the fifth son mentioned, he forms a part of a significant family unit that established itself in the eastern territories following the scattering from Shinar. While the historical backdrop paints a picture of a transformative era characterized by widespread migrations, the establishment of new settlements, and the diversification of human culture and language, Hadoram’s particular role or experiences within this period are not narrated in these sources. His significance, therefore, rests in his place within the genealogical record as a descendant of Shem, contributing to the repopulation and diversification of humanity in the world that followed the deluge.