Matred

Background and Family

Matred appears in the biblical record within the detailed genealogies of the descendants of Esau, who established the nation of Edom. According to Genesis 36:39 and 1 Chronicles 1:50, Matred was the child of Me-zahab. The name Matred (מַטְרֵד) is often interpreted by scholars as meaning "propulsive" or "thrusting forth," though the specific etymology remains a subject of linguistic study.

Matred’s family held a position of notable status within Edomite society, as evidenced by the marriage of Matred’s daughter, Mehetabel, to Hadad (also called Hadar in some translations). Hadad was a significant monarch who ruled from the city of Pau. The mention of both the parent (Matred) and the grandparent (Me-zahab) in the description of a king’s wife is a rare genealogical detail in the Old Testament, suggesting that this specific lineage carried substantial prestige or political weight in the Edomite territory of Mount Seir.

Major Life Events

The biblical text does not record specific events, speeches, or actions performed by Matred. Instead, Matred’s life is defined by a placement within a pivotal genealogical bridge. Living during the Patriarchal Period, Matred existed in an era where the descendants of Esau were rapidly organizing into a structured kingdom. The transition from tribal chiefdoms to a formal monarchy is reflected in the records where Matred is mentioned. The primary "event" associated with Matred in the text is the successful union of the family line with the Edomite royalty through Mehetabel.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Matred’s primary relationships are vertical and matrimonial. As the child of Me-zahab, Matred continues a line whose names have intrigued scholars; "Me-zahab" means "waters of gold," leading some to speculate that the family may have been involved in mining or held great wealth.

Matred’s most significant connection is as the mother of Mehetabel. Through this daughter, Matred became the mother-in-law to King Hadad of Edom. This connection places Matred at the heart of the Edomite aristocracy. The repetition of this specific family tree in 1 Chronicles 1 demonstrates that even after the Babylonian exile, the Chronicler considered Matred’s place in the history of the region surrounding Israel to be essential for a complete historical record.

Spiritual Significance

While Matred is not portrayed as a religious leader, the figure’s inclusion in the Word of God serves a specific purpose in the narrative of divine sovereignty. The detailed recording of Matred’s family illustrates the fulfillment of God’s promise to Isaac and Rebekah regarding Esau—that he would indeed become a great nation and that kings would come from his line. By documenting the specific ancestors of the Edomite queen, the text affirms the historical reality of the nations surrounding Israel and God's oversight of all human lineages, not just the line of Jacob. Matred stands as a testament to the fact that every individual, even those with brief mentions, plays a role in the unfolding history of the biblical world.