Bible Strands
Genesis 36:39
When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator continues the genealogical record of Esau, documenting the succession of Edomite kings following Shaul’s death. This chronological update occurs within a structured catalog of Esau’s descendants, families, and regional leaders.
The words — The Hebrew וַיָּמָת (va-yā-māt) literally means “and he died,” marking the termination of Baal-hanan’s rule. It is directly paired with וַיִּמְלֹךְ (va-yim-lōkh), “and he reigned,” which introduces Hadad as the immediate political successor.
The thread — This exact royal succession is cross-referenced in 1 Chronicles 1:50, which reproduces the same Edomite king list. The broader political landscape of Edom is noted in Exodus 15:15, where the region’s chiefs are mentioned in the context of Israel’s deliverance.
Why it lands — The text first records a straightforward political transition: one king dies and another takes his throne, complete with geographic and marital details. It requires the reader to acknowledge that human leadership changes are historically documented and fall within the scope of divine sovereignty, demanding trust in God’s governance over all nations.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Baal–hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Cross-references
- Exodus 15:15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,
- 1 Chronicles 1:50 When Baal-hanan died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.