Interesting Facts

• Hadad was the son of Bedad.
• ‘Adath was the son of Barad.
• Hadad/’Adath smote Midian in the field of Moab.
• The name of Hadad’s city was Avith.

Genealogy

• Bedad was the father of Hadad, who reigned in Edom after Husham/Chusham/’Asam.
• Barad was the father of ‘Adath, who reigned in Edom after ‘Asam.
• The sources do not provide information about Bedad/Barad’s ancestry, birth, marital connections, or any other offspring.

Historical Context

The time of Hadad the son of Bedad (or ‘Adath the son of Barad) as king of Edom follows the reigns of Jobab and Husham/Chusham/’Asam. This places him within the period “before there reigned any king over the children of Israel”. A significant event during this time was Hadad/’Adath’s military victory over Midian in the field of Moab. Later in his reign, specifically in the fiftieth year according to Jasher, Hadad assembled the Edomite forces and went to war with Moab, aiming to make them tributary. The Moabites sought assistance from Midian, leading to a battle where Hadad/’Adath ultimately defeated both Midian and then subdued Moab, making them pay tribute. Subsequently, a remnant of the Midianites, along with other eastern tribes, sought to avenge their brethren, leading to further conflict where Hadad/’Adath again decisively defeated them, thus delivering Moab from Midianite aggression. These events illustrate a period of intertribal warfare and shifting power dynamics in the regions surrounding Edom and Moab.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Bedad/Barad is primarily established through his son, Hadad/’Adath, who became a notable king of Edom. The sources highlight Hadad/’Adath’s military prowess, specifically his victory over Midian in the field of Moab. This act seemingly established his reputation and led to his ascension to the throne after Husham/Chusham/’Asam. The Book of Jasher provides a more detailed account of Hadad’s reign, describing his later campaign against Moab and the subsequent Midianite retaliation. Hadad’s successful military engagements demonstrate his leadership and strength as a ruler, consolidating Edomite power in the region and exerting influence over Moab by making them tributary. The repeated conflicts with Midian underscore the volatile nature of the relationships between these neighboring peoples. While Bedad/Barad himself does not feature in direct actions or dialogues within the provided texts, his significance lies in being the progenitor of a king who played a notable role in the history of Edom and its interactions with surrounding nations like Moab and Midian. The differing names of the father (Bedad in Genesis and Jasher, Barad in Jubilees) may represent variations across different textual traditions.