### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Hădarʻezer**, represented by `{{H1928}}`, means "Hadar is his help" and refers to a Syrian king. The name, which is also rendered Hadadezer, appears **12 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in accounts detailing the military campaigns of King David.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Hădarʻezer** is portrayed as the king `{{H4428}}` of Zobah `{{H6678}}`, a powerful Syrian kingdom [[1 Chronicles 18:3]]. His story is one of conflict with David `{{H1732}}`. David smote `{{H5221}}` **Hădarʻezer** as the latter went to establish his dominion `{{H3027}}` by the Euphrates River `{{H6578}}` [[1 Chronicles 18:3]]. When the Syrians `{{H758}}` of Damascus `{{H1834}}` came to help `{{H5826}}` **Hădarʻezer**, David slew twenty-two thousand `{{H505}}` of their men `{{H376}}` [[1 Chronicles 18:5]]. In another conflict, **Hădarʻezer** sent `{{H7971}}` for Syrians from beyond the river `{{H5104}}`, but his forces were ultimately smitten `{{H5062}}` before Israel `{{H3478}}`. This defeat led his servants `{{H5650}}` to make peace `{{H7999}}` with Israel, and the Syrians feared `{{H3372}}` to help `{{H3467}}` the children `{{H1121}}` of Ammon `{{H5983}}` any more [[2 Samuel 10:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related figures and places are central to the narrative of **Hădarʻezer**:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (loving; David): As king of Israel, David is the primary antagonist to **Hădarʻezer**, consistently defeating him and his allies in battle [[1 Chronicles 18:3]].
* `{{H6678}}` **Tsôwbâʼ** (a station; Zoba or Zobah): This is the Syrian region where **Hădarʻezer** reigned as king `{{H4428}}` [[1 Chronicles 18:5]].
* `{{H758}}` **ʼĂrâm** (the highland; Aram or Syria): This refers to the Syrian people who served **Hădarʻezer**. After their defeat, the Syrians would no longer help `{{H3467}}` the children of Ammon `{{H5983}}` [[1 Chronicles 19:19]].
* `{{H8583}}` **Tôʻûw** (error; Tou or Toi): The king `{{H4428}}` of Hamath `{{H2574}}` who was at war `{{H4421}}` with **Hădarʻezer**. He sent his son to congratulate `{{H1288}}` David for smiting `{{H5221}}` their mutual enemy [[1 Chronicles 18:10]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of `{{H1928}}` is significant in demonstrating the expansion of David's kingdom.
* **A Formidable Adversary:** **Hădarʻezer** commanded a vast army `{{H6635}}` under his captain `{{H8269}}`, Shophach `{{H7780}}`, and held authority over other kings `{{H4428}}` who were his servants `{{H5650}}`, showcasing him as a major regional power ([[1 Chronicles 19:16]], [[2 Samuel 10:19]]).
* **Source of Israel's Wealth:** David’s victories resulted in immense spoils. He took `{{H3947}}` shields `{{H7982}}` of gold `{{H2091}}` from the servants of **Hădarʻezer** [[1 Chronicles 18:7]]. From **Hădarʻezer**'s cities `{{H5892}}`, Tibhath `{{H2880}}` and Chun `{{H3560}}`, David brought `{{H3947}}` very `{{H3966}}` much `{{H7227}}` brass `{{H5178}}`, which Solomon `{{H8010}}` later used to make `{{H6213}}` the brasen sea `{{H3220}}` and other temple vessels `{{H3627}}` [[1 Chronicles 18:8]].
* **Catalyst for New Alliances:** The defeat of **Hădarʻezer** shifted regional power. Tou `{{H8583}}`, king of Hamath `{{H2574}}`, hearing of David's victory over the entire host `{{H2428}}` of **Hădarʻezer**, established peaceful relations with David [[1 Chronicles 18:9-10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1928}}` **Hădarʻezer** is a pivotal figure in the chronicles of King David's reign. He represents a significant military and political obstacle that David overcame to establish Israel's dominance. The narrative of his defeat illustrates a key moment in Israel's history, leading to territorial expansion, the acquisition of materials for the future temple, and the realignment of power among the surrounding nations.
TRV