Genesis 36:35

Authorized King James Version

And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּ֖מָת

H4191

died

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

חֻשָׁ֑ם

H2367

And Husham

chusham, an idumaean

וַיִּמְלֹ֨ךְ

H4427

reigned

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

תַּחְתָּ֜יו

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הֲדַ֣ד

H1908

and Hadad

hadad, the name of an idol, and of several kings of edom, possibly a royal title

בֶּן

H1121

the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּדַ֗ד

H911

of Bedad

bedad, an edomite

הַמַּכֶּ֤ה

H5221

who smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

מִדְיָן֙

H4080

Midian

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

#11

בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה

H7704

in the field

a field (as flat)

#12

מוֹאָ֔ב

H4124

of Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

#13

וְשֵׁ֥ם

H8034

in his stead and the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#14

עִיר֖וֹ

H5892

of his city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#15

עֲוִֽית׃

H5762

was Avith

avvith (or avvoth), a place in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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