Husham חֻשָׁם

Male Edom H2367 2 books

A king of Edom.

Who is Husham in the Bible?

Husham was a king of Edom mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis 36:34-35 and 1 Chronicles 1:45-46. He succeeded Jobab as ruler of Edom during a period before Israel had established its own monarchy, and he himself was succeeded by Hadad, son of Bedad. Husham came from the land of the Temanites, a region within Edom that was renowned for wisdom in the ancient world. His inclusion in the biblical record, along with other Edomite kings, underscores the relationship between the Edomites and Israelites as neighboring nations descended from Esau and Jacob respectively.

Biography

Husham is mentioned in the genealogies of Edom in Gen.36.34-35 and 1Ch.1.45-46. He was one of the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned.

According to the records, Husham succeeded Jobab as king of Edom. He was from the land of the Temanites, a region within Edom known for its wisdom (Jer.49.7; Oba.1.9).

After Husham's death, Hadad, son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, succeeded him as king. The mention of these kings and their territories provides insight into the political structure and history of Edom.

The inclusion of Edomite kings in the biblical genealogies is significant, as it demonstrates the relationship between the Edomites and the Israelites. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Israel (or 'Jacob') (Israel), and the two nations had a complex history of conflict and coexistence.

These genealogies also serve to highlight the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Gen.17.4-6), as well as the prophecy given to Rebekah that two nations would come from her sons, Jacob and Esau (Gen.25.23).

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 1 with study content
Genesis 2 verses
  • Genesis 36:34

    "When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place."

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  • Genesis 36:35

    "When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith."

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1 Chronicles 2 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 1:45

    "When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place."

  • 1 Chronicles 1:46

    "When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew חֻשָׁם
Encyclopedia Article

Husham

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

nd according to the latter he was "of the land of the Temanites" and (1Ch 1:35 f) descended from Esau.

hu'-shath-it, (chushathi, "a dweller in Hushah"?): The patronymic given in two forms, but probably of the same man, Sibbeccai, one of David's thirty heroes (2Sa 21:18; <ref osi