In the days of King Ahaz, when the Southern Kingdom of Judah had trespassed greviously against the Lord, a moment of profound mercy arose from the most unlikely of places. It was then that we find the name Hadlai, a man of the tribe of Ephraim whose legacy is carried by his son, Amasa. Though Hadlai—whose name signifies “resting” or “forbearing”—is mentioned but once in the sacred text, he stands as a patriarch of the “Ancient Paths,” having raised a son who chose the fear of the Lord over the spoils of war.
The context of this witness is found in the second book of Chronicles, during a dark chapter of fratricidal conflict. The army of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) had smitten Judah with a great slaughter and was leading away two hundred thousand captives—women, sons, and daughters—to Samaria. However, a prophet of the Lord named Oded confronted the returning victors, warning them that the wrath of God was upon them for their cruelty. It was at this critical juncture that certain heads of the children of Ephraim, including Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war.
The son of Hadlai and his compatriots declared with firm conviction: “Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the Lord already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel“ (2 Chronicles 28:13). This was the defense of the truth in action. Because of the character and standing of men like the son of Hadlai, the captives were clothed, fed, and carried on asses to Jericho, the city of palm trees, restored to their brethren.
Though Hadlai himself may have been at rest, the “forbearing” nature of his name was manifest in his offspring. It is a theological reality that the seeds of righteousness planted by a father often bloom in the son’s courage to stand against the tide of popular opinion. Amasa, the son of Hadlai, refused to participate in the oppression of his kinsmen, choosing instead the path of costly obedience.
As we reflect on the house of Hadlai, we are reminded that in the midst of a “Great Falling Away,” God always preserves a remnant who will speak for the Truth. Whether we are known for our own deeds or for the fruit of our children, our primary mandate remains to stand fast. We must ask ourselves: are we raising a generation that, like the son of Hadlai, will have the spiritual fortitude to turn back the tide of sin and show mercy when the world demands judgment?