Topical Bible: Abia, Abiah or Abijah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Etymology and Meaning:
The name Abia, also spelled Abiah or Abijah, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "My Father is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my Father." This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the divine name into personal names, signifying a relationship or dedication to God.

Biblical References:

1. Abijah, Son of Samuel:
Abijah was one of the sons of the prophet Samuel. He, along with his brother Joel, served as a judge in Beersheba. However, they were known for their corrupt practices, which led to the Israelites' demand for a king. The Bible states, "But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:3).

2. Abijah, King of Judah:
Abijah was the son of Rehoboam and the second king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is noted for the war against Jeroboam I of Israel. Despite his short reign of three years, Abijah is remembered for his speech on Mount Zemaraim, where he declared the legitimacy of David's dynasty and the faithfulness of Judah to the worship of Yahweh. "But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him" (2 Chronicles 13:10). His reign is detailed in 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13.

3. Abijah, Son of Jeroboam:
This Abijah was the son of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He fell ill, and Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to the prophet Ahijah to inquire about the boy's fate. The prophet foretold the child's death, stating that he alone of Jeroboam's house would be mourned because "something good was found in him toward the LORD, the God of Israel" (1 Kings 14:13).

4. Abijah, Descendant of Eleazar:
Abijah is also listed as a descendant of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, in the genealogies of the priests. He is the head of one of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David. "The seventh lot fell to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah" (1 Chronicles 24:10). This division continued to serve in the temple, and it is mentioned in the New Testament in relation to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, who belonged to the division of Abijah (Luke 1:5).

5. Abijah, Wife of Hezron:
In the genealogies of the tribe of Judah, Abijah is mentioned as the wife of Hezron and the mother of Ashhur, the father of Tekoa (1 Chronicles 2:24).

Significance:
The name Abijah appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, associated with both notable and lesser-known figures. Each occurrence of the name reflects different aspects of Israel's history, from the period of the judges to the divided monarchy, and into the priestly lineage. The recurring use of the name underscores the cultural and religious significance of invoking the divine name in personal identity.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Abia, Abiah or Abijah