Abishua or Abishua
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Name Meaning: The name "Abishua" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "father of deliverance" or "my father is rescue."

Biblical References:

1. Genealogical Context:
· Abishua is mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Levi, specifically within the lineage of the priestly family of Aaron. He is noted as a descendant of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.
· In 1 Chronicles 6:4-5 , the genealogy is recorded: "Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, Phinehas was the father of Abishua, Abishua was the father of Bukki, Bukki was the father of Uzzi."

2. Role and Significance:
· Abishua is recognized as a high priest in the line of Eleazar, although the Bible does not provide detailed accounts of his life or specific actions. His significance primarily lies in his position within the priestly lineage, which underscores the continuity of the priesthood from Aaron through successive generations.
· The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles and Ezra emphasize the importance of maintaining the purity and legitimacy of the priestly line, with Abishua serving as a link in this sacred chain.

3. Historical Context:
· The period during which Abishua lived is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, but he is placed in the era following the Israelites' settlement in Canaan, during the time of the judges. This was a formative period for the Israelite community, as they established themselves in the Promised Land and developed their religious and social structures.
· The genealogies in which Abishua appears were likely compiled during or after the Babylonian exile, serving to reaffirm the heritage and identity of the Israelite people, particularly the priestly class.

4. Additional References:
· Abishua is also mentioned in Ezra 7:5 as part of the genealogy of Ezra the scribe: "son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest." This reference highlights the continuity of the priestly line leading to Ezra, a key figure in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Law.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
· The mention of Abishua in the genealogies underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, particularly concerning the priesthood. The role of the high priest was central to the religious life of Israel, serving as a mediator between God and the people.
· Abishua's place in the genealogical records reflects the biblical emphasis on the faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant with Israel through successive generations, ensuring the continuity of worship and adherence to the Law.

Conclusion:
· While Abishua himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogies of the priestly line highlights the enduring significance of family heritage and the divine promise in the history of Israel.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Abishua or Abishua

(father of deliverance).

  1. Son of Bela, of the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:4)
  2. Son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, and father of Bukki, in the genealogy of the high priests. (1 Chronicles 6:4,5,50,51; Ezra 7:4,5)
Strong's Hebrew
50. Abishua -- "my father is rescue," two Israelites
... 49, 50. Abishua. 51 . "my father is rescue," two Israelites. Transliteration:
Abishua Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-shoo'-ah) Short Definition: Abishua. ... Abishua ...
/hebrew/50.htm - 6k
Library

How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His
... was transferred to the house of Ithamar, [of which family Eli was the first that
received it,]were these that follow: Bukki, the son of Abishua the high priest ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how solomon when.htm

Appendices
... Samsu-iluna, his son, 38 (or 35) years. Abesukh (Abishua) or Ebisum, 25 years.
Ammi-ditana, his son, 25 years. Ammi-zadok, his son, 21 years. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Abishukh (the Hebrew Abishua) is the form of the name which we find in contemporary
contracts. The official lists contain the variant Ebishu, Ebishum. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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