Interesting Facts

• Adoran is identified as an Aramaean.
• Adoran is slain by Jacob, who uses a bow and arrow, striking him on the left breast.
• Adoran is mentioned in the context of a battle initiated by the sons of Esau against Jacob.
• Adoran is associated with the forces allied with Esau.

Genealogy

• The sources do not provide any information regarding Adoran’s ancestry, birth, marital connections, or offspring.

Historical Context

The context of Adoran’s appearance is during a time when tensions between Jacob and Esau and their respective descendants are high, following the death of Isaac. Esau’s sons are angered that Jacob received the elder’s portion of the inheritance. They gather a force composed of men from Aram, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, the Horites, and the Kittim with the intent to attack Jacob. Esau, initially hesitant, is pressured by his sons to lead this army against his brother. This period is marked by a breakdown of the familial oath sworn by Esau to Isaac and Rebekah not to harm Jacob. The cultural norms seem to include the expectation of honoring birthrights, which fuels the conflict. The amassing of a multi-regional army suggests alliances and established military practices in the region.

Narrative

Adoran enters the narrative as part of the army assembled by the sons of Esau to wage war against Jacob. When Jacob confronts Esau from the battlements of his tower, Esau expresses deep animosity and declares that he will not observe the tie of brotherhood. Following this exchange, Jacob instructs his own people and servants to attack Esau and his companions. During the ensuing conflict, Judah urges Jacob to use his bow and arrow against the adversary. Jacob then shoots an arrow, striking and killing Esau. Immediately after, Jacob sends another arrow, striking Adoran on the left breast, resulting in his death as well. Adoran’s presence in the battle signifies his allegiance to Esau and his sons in their aggression against Jacob. His death at the hands of Jacob underscores the intensity of the conflict and the decisive victory of Jacob and his sons in repelling the attack. Adoran’s role is limited to being a combatant in this battle and one of the casualties in the confrontation between the two brothers’ families.