1 Chronicles 1:46

And when Husham was dead, Hadad, the sonne of Bedad (which smote Midian in the field of Moab) reigned in his stead: and the name of his citie was Auith. 1 Chronicles 1:46 (KJV)

The verse 1 Chronicles 1:46 offers a concise record of a leadership transition within the genealogy of the descendants of Esau. It appears in the opening chapter of the Book of Chronicles, a work that functions primarily as a historical and genealogical compilation. The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are devoted to tracing the lines of descent from Adam through the various peoples and nations that populated the ancient Near East, culminating in the period of King David and the return from exile.

In this particular passage the death of Husham is noted. Although Husham is not a prominent figure elsewhere in Scripture, the brief mention suggests that he held a position of authority, likely among the Edomites or a related group in the region. His death creates the context for the succession of Hadad, identified as the son of Bedad. Hadad is distinguished by the phrase “which smote Midian in the field of Moab,” indicating that he achieved a notable military victory over the Midianites within Moabite territory. The biblical text does not elaborate on the circumstances of this conflict, leaving the details of the battle and its broader historical setting to speculation.

The passage concludes by naming Hadad’s city as Avith. Apart from this reference, the Scriptures provide no further information about the location, size, or significance of Avith. It is reasonable to infer that the city served as the administrative or residential center of Hadad’s rule, but the text remains silent on any additional attributes.

Overall, 1 Chronicles 1:46 functions as a brief historical note embedded within a larger genealogical framework. It records the orderly transfer of authority from Husham to Hadad, highlights Hadad’s military accomplishment against Midian, and preserves the name of his city, Avith. Though the verse offers limited narrative detail, it contributes to the broader tapestry of ancestral records that underpin the chronicler’s purpose of documenting the peoples and leaders who shaped Israel’s heritage.