Interesting Facts

• Hedad is described as a wicked and mischievous man residing in Sodom.
• He is noted as being skillful to do evil.
• Despite the general inhospitable nature of Sodom, Hedad offered lodging to a traveler when no one else would.
• He attempted to extort money from the traveler by falsely claiming to interpret a dream.
• Hedad was supported in his deceitful actions by Serak, a judge of Sodom.

Genealogy

• The provided source makes no mention of Hedad’s genealogy. His ancestry, birth, marital status, and offspring are not detailed within this text.

Historical Context

Hedad’s actions occur within the city of Sodom, which is depicted as an exceedingly wicked and sinful place before the Lord. The culture of Sodom, as portrayed in the source, was marked by a lack of hospitality towards strangers, the exploitation and mistreatment of the poor, and a corrupt judicial system where judges like Serak upheld the wicked customs of the city. This societal backdrop likely influenced Hedad’s behavior, providing an environment where deceit and greed were seemingly commonplace and even sanctioned by authority figures. The narrative of Hedad serves as an illustration of the moral bankruptcy that characterized Sodom in the period leading up to its destruction.

Narrative

Hedad’s personal narrative unfolds through his interaction with a traveler from the country of Elam seeking overnight lodging in Sodom. Initially, Hedad extends hospitality to the traveler, bringing him to his house after others refused. However, in the morning, as the traveler prepares to depart, Hedad’s malevolent intentions are revealed. He fabricates a dream interpretation concerning the traveler’s ass and mantle, demanding three pieces of silver for this purported service and additional payment for the two days the traveler stayed in his home. When the traveler disputes this and seeks justice from Serak, the judge of Sodom, Serak astonishingly sides with Hedad, validating his false claim of dream interpretation. Despite the traveler’s protests and the obvious injustice, Hedad persists in his demands for payment. This encounter escalates into a quarrel that draws the attention of the people of Sodom, who then turn against the stranger and drive him from the city. Hedad’s actions vividly exemplify the pervasive wickedness and lack of moral integrity within Sodom, where even acts of initial kindness are quickly overshadowed by greed and exploitation, and the judicial system serves to perpetuate rather than correct injustice.