Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Abida" or "Abidah" is derived from the Hebrew root "עָבַד" (avad), meaning "to serve" or "to work." Thus, the name can be interpreted as "servant" or "worshiper."

Biblical References:
Abida is mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis and the First Book of Chronicles. He is listed as one of the sons of Midian, who was a son of Abraham through his wife Keturah.

1. Genesis 25:1-4 :
"Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah."

2. 1 Chronicles 1:32-33 :
"The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the descendants of Keturah."

Historical and Cultural Context:
Abida is part of the genealogical records that trace the descendants of Abraham, a central figure in the Abrahamic faiths. The mention of Abida and his brothers highlights the expansion of Abraham's lineage beyond Isaac and Ishmael, through Keturah, his wife after Sarah's death. The descendants of Midian, including Abida, are often associated with the Midianites, a nomadic tribe that played a significant role in the history of the Israelites.

Role and Significance:
While Abida himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogies underscores the broader scope of Abraham's progeny and the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). The Midianites, as descendants of Midian, are frequently mentioned in the context of interactions with the Israelites, both as adversaries and as kin.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Genealogy and Lineage: The genealogical records in which Abida appears serve to establish the connections between various tribes and peoples in the biblical narrative. They also emphasize the fulfillment of divine promises regarding Abraham's descendants.
· Covenant and Promise: Abida's lineage is part of the broader theme of God's covenant with Abraham, which includes the promise of numerous descendants and the blessing of nations through him.
· Cultural Interactions: The Midianites, as descendants of Midian, are involved in several key biblical events, such as Moses' sojourn in Midian and the subsequent conflicts during the Exodus.

Extra-Biblical References:
There are no significant extra-biblical references to Abida specifically, but the Midianites, as a group, are mentioned in various ancient Near Eastern texts and archaeological findings, which provide additional context to their historical and cultural background.Abida or Abidah

(father of knowledge), a son of Midian. (Genesis 25:4; 1 Chronicles 1:33)

28. Abida -- "my father took knowledge," a son of Midian
... Abida, Abidah. From 'ab and yada'; father of knowledge (ie Knowing); Abida, a son
of Abraham by Keturah -- Abida, Abidah. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREW yada'. ...
/hebrew/28.htm - 6kWhat is the significance of Midian in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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