Adah

Two women named Adah are mentioned in the OT. Some commentators think that the name, which means 'ornament,' may imply look goods. But, if names are usually given when the person is still infant, it is no guarantee that it describes the adult.

1) One of the two wives of Lamech (Cain's descendent) who gave him a son named "Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock" (Gen4:19-20). We know nothing else about her.

CONCORDANCE:

Gen 4:19-20 — Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock.

Gen 4:23 — Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. . . .

2) One of Esau's three wives, "daughter of Elon the Hittite" (Gen 36:2), to whom she bore a son Eliphaz. Though the intention remains elusive, it is interesting that the author of Genesis highlights this lady by reminding us, twice, that she had two grandsons (v 12 & 16).

CONCORDANCE:

Gen 36:2 — Esau took his wives from the women of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite—

Gen 36:4 — Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath bore Reuel, 5 and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam and Korah.

Gen 36:10 — These are the names of Esau's sons: Eliphaz, the son of Esau's wife Adah, and Reuel, the son of Esau's wife Basemath.

Gen 36:12 — Esau's son Eliphaz also had a concubine named Timna, who bore him Amalek. These were grandsons of Esau's wife Adah.

Gen 36:16 — Korah, Gatam and Amalek. These were the chiefs descended from Eliphaz in Edom; they were grandsons of Adah.