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Genesis 36:35 - Enemy of Midyan rises

Genesis 36:35 - בראשית 36:35

Hebrew Text

וַיָּמָת חֻשָׁם וַיִּמְלֹךְ תַּחְתָּיו הֲדַד בֶּן־בְּדַד הַמַּכֶּה אֶת־מִדְיָן בִּשְׂדֵה מוֹאָב וְשֵׁם עִירוֹ עֲוִית׃

English Translation

and Ḥusham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midyan in the field of Mo᾽av, reigned in his place; and the name of his city was ῾Avit.

Transliteration

Va'yamat Chusham va'yimloch tachtav Hadad ben-B'dad ha'makeh et-Midyan bi'sdei Moav v'shem iro Avit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֖מׇת חֻשָׁ֑ם וַיִּמְלֹ֨ךְ תַּחְתָּ֜יו הֲדַ֣ד בֶּן־בְּדַ֗ד הַמַּכֶּ֤ה אֶת־מִדְיָן֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב וְשֵׁ֥ם עִיר֖וֹ עֲוִֽית׃
וַיָּ֖מׇת חֻשָׁ֑ם וַיִּמְלֹ֨ךְ תַּחְתָּ֜יו הֲדַ֣ד בֶּן־בְּדַ֗ד הַמַּכֶּ֤ה אֶת־מִדְיָן֙ בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב וְשֵׁ֥ם עִיר֖וֹ עֲוִֽית׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Sefer Bereishit

This verse appears in Bereishit 36:35 as part of the genealogy of Esav's descendants, the Edomite kings. The Torah lists the succession of Edomite rulers to contrast their transient dynasties with the enduring legacy of Yaakov's descendants (Rashi on Bereishit 36:31). The abrupt mention of Hadad's military victory highlights how Edom's power was built through conquest rather than divine covenant.

Hadad's Victory Over Midyan

The phrase "who smote Midyan in the field of Mo'av" requires analysis. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 83:4) explains that this battle occurred because Midyan had encroached on Mo'av's territory, and Hadad intervened as a regional power. Ramban suggests this demonstrates Edom's military prowess during this era, foreshadowing future conflicts between Israel and Edom (see Bamidbar 20:14-21).

Geographical Significance

  • Field of Mo'av: The location connects to later biblical events, as this region (east of the Jordan) would become significant during the Exodus (Sifrei Devarim 51).
  • City of Avit: Targum Onkelos translates this as "Avith," identifying it as Hadad's capital. Ibn Ezra notes that Edomite kings, unlike Israelite kings, frequently changed capitals, indicating instability.

Chronological Considerations

The Radak observes that this event predates Moshe's era, showing Midyan as a regional power long before their conflict with Israel (Bamidbar 31). The Sforno adds that recording these details emphasizes how Hashem orchestrates history, even for nations outside the covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Hadad ben Bedad mentioned in Genesis 36:35?
A: Hadad ben Bedad was an Edomite king who succeeded Husham as ruler of Edom. According to Rashi, he was called 'the one who smote Midian' because he defeated Midian in battle in the territory of Moav. His capital city was named Avit.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these Edomite kings in Genesis 36?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 54a) explains that listing the kings of Edom shows how Hashem fulfilled His promise to make Esav into a great nation (Genesis 36:1). Ramban adds that recording their history helps establish the Torah's accuracy and demonstrates that Edom's kingship was temporary compared to Israel's eternal covenant.
Q: What is the significance of Hadad defeating Midian?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 83:4) notes that this early conflict between Edom and Midian foreshadowed future battles between their descendants. Later in the Torah, Midian would become enemies of Israel (Numbers 25, 31), showing how these ancient rivalries continued through history.