Abdeel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. His name in Hebrew, עַבְדְּאֵל (Avde'el), means "servant of God" or "servant of El." Abdeel is noted primarily for his role as the father of Shelemiah, who is mentioned in the context of the political and religious turmoil during the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah.

Biblical Reference:

Abdeel is referenced in Jeremiah 36:26. In this passage, King Jehoiakim of Judah orders the arrest of the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch after they have read the words of the Lord from a scroll. The king's command is directed to three individuals, one of whom is Shelemiah, the son of Abdeel:

"Then the king commanded Jerahmeel the king’s son, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them." (Jeremiah 36:26)

Contextual Background:

The context of this passage is significant in understanding the role of Abdeel's son, Shelemiah, and by extension, Abdeel himself. During this period, Jeremiah was prophesying against the kingdom of Judah, warning of impending judgment due to the nation's disobedience and idolatry. King Jehoiakim, who reigned from approximately 609 to 598 BC, was resistant to Jeremiah's message and sought to suppress it by arresting the prophet and his scribe.

Abdeel's mention in the Bible is brief, and there is no further information about his life or activities beyond his paternity to Shelemiah. The lack of additional details about Abdeel suggests that his significance in the biblical narrative is primarily tied to his son's involvement in the events surrounding Jeremiah's ministry.

Historical and Theological Significance:

While Abdeel himself does not play a direct role in the biblical events, his mention highlights the broader network of officials and individuals involved in the political and religious dynamics of the time. The attempt to arrest Jeremiah and Baruch underscores the tension between the prophetic message and the established authority, a recurring theme in the prophetic books of the Old Testament.

Theologically, the passage illustrates the protection and providence of God over His prophets, as noted in the divine intervention that prevented their capture: "But the LORD had hidden them." This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and care for those who faithfully deliver His message, despite opposition and danger.

In summary, Abdeel is a minor biblical figure whose significance is derived from his familial connection to Shelemiah, an official involved in the opposition to Jeremiah's prophetic mission. His mention serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between divine purpose and human agency in the biblical narrative.Jeremiah 36:26
But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.
Nave's Topical Index

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus