Who was Hadar?

Hadar, whose name in Hebrew is הֲדָר (Hădār), means “ornament,” “honor,” or “glory.” In the biblical record, Hadar appears as a descendant of Esau, not in Genesis 24, but more accurately in Genesis 36, which details the genealogy of Esau, the brother of Jacob. The mention of Hadar is tied to the ruling lineage of Edom, where Hadar (also rendered as Hadad in some translations) is listed among the early kings of Edom before Israel had kings (Genesis 36:31, 39). This Hadar is noted to have reigned in the land of Edom, and his city was Pau.

Though no person named Hadar is mentioned in Genesis 24—which recounts the story of Isaac’s servant seeking a wife for Isaac—the name appears elsewhere in Genesis and later biblical books, such as 1 Chronicles 1:50, which mirrors the genealogy in Genesis 36.

Biblical References

• Genesis 36:39 – “When Baal–Hanan son of Akbor died, Hadar reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-Zahab.”

• 1 Chronicles 1:50 – A repetition of Genesis 36, listing Hadar among the kings of Edom.

Cross References

• Genesis 25:23 – “Two nations are in your womb…” a prophecy about Jacob and Esau, from whom Israel and Edom descended.

• Deuteronomy 2:12 – Refers to the Edomites as Seir’s inhabitants, a people God instructed Israel not to harass.

• Obadiah 1:1-4 – A prophecy of judgment against Edom, the nation descended from Esau.

• Psalm 137:7 – A remembrance of Edom’s role during Jerusalem’s fall.

• Romans 9:13 – “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” highlighting divine election and the tension between Israel and Edom.

What Happened in the Bible?

Hadar is one of the eight kings who ruled in Edom before any king reigned in Israel. This list in Genesis 36 is significant in ancient historical context, showing that the Edomites had a form of monarchy before the Israelites. Hadar is the last king listed in that succession. His reign, marked by his residence in Pau and his marriage to Mehetabel, suggests he was a figure of some prominence in Edomite history. His wife’s lineage is also noted, possibly indicating noble or priestly status.

Though the biblical text does not elaborate on his deeds, the inclusion of Hadar in a genealogical and political list underscores the structured nature of Edomite society and its kingship.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Though Hadar himself is a minor figure, his mention within the Edomite lineage teaches several lessons:

1. God‘s Sovereignty in History: The structured listing of Edomite kings—even before Israel had one—reveals God’s providential order in the nations’ histories. God was never absent from the affairs of nations, even those outside the covenant line.

2. Human Glory is Temporary: The name Hadar means “glory” or “ornament,” yet Edom ultimately fell under judgment and faded into history. Human glory apart from God does not endure.

3. Contrast Between Two Kingdoms: The genealogy of Esau (Edom) is juxtaposed with that of Jacob (Israel). One represents the flesh, the other the promise. Though Edom had kings first, Israel had the King of kings—Jesus Christ—who would come through Jacob’s line.

How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The narrative of Hadar and the Edomite kings prefigures the contrast between worldly kingdoms and God’s eternal kingdom. While Edom had kings who ruled before Israel, they ruled without covenant. Their glory, like Hadar’s name suggests, was ornamental but ultimately superficial. In contrast, God raised up a king from Israel—Jesus, the Son of David—whose reign is everlasting.

Moreover, Edom‘s judgment in the prophetic books illustrates what happens to those who oppose God’s people, while the promise to Jacob’s line anticipates the coming of Christ. The gospel reveals that salvation is not through lineage or temporal power, but through faith in God‘s chosen Redeemer.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Lineage and Legacy

Hadar is listed not for his deeds but his place in history. The Bible often uses genealogies to trace the line of promise or contrast it with the line of flesh.

2. Kingdoms of This World vs. Kingdom of God

The Edomite monarchy symbolizes worldly authority that lacks divine sanction. In contrast, Christ’s kingship is eternal and redemptive.

3. Judgment and Redemption

Edom is a symbol of judgment in Scripture. Yet, through Christ, even those from outside Israel (including descendants of Edom) can be redeemed.

4. God’s Providence Over Nations

Even nations outside of the covenant community are under God’s sovereign rule and timeline. Hadar’s reign, though short and obscure, was part of God’s broader plan in redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

1. What can we learn from the genealogies and political records in the Bible, even when they seem minor or repetitive?

2. How does the contrast between Edom and Israel help us appreciate the significance of God’s covenant with His people?

3. In what ways do we seek “glory” (like the meaning of Hadar’s name) apart from God? How can we pursue true glory through Christ?

4. How does knowing that God governs the rise and fall of nations give you comfort in today’s political climate?

5. How does the story of Edom challenge us to consider the end of those who live apart from the promises of God?

Though Hadar is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible, his place in Edomite kingship provides valuable insight into God‘s sovereignty, the nature of worldly kingdoms, and the contrast between human glory and divine promise.