Introduction:
Abijam, also known as Abijah, was the second king of the southern kingdom of Judah. He reigned during the divided monarchy period following the death of Solomon. His reign is recorded in the biblical books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Abijam's rule is noted for its brevity and for the continuation of the religious and political policies of his father, Rehoboam.

Name and Etymology:
The name "Abijam" is derived from Hebrew, meaning "My father is Yam" or "My father is the sea." In some biblical accounts, he is referred to as "Abijah," which means "Yahweh is my father."

Biblical References:
1. 1 Kings 15:1-8 : The primary account of Abijam's reign is found in 1 Kings. The text states, "In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijam became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom." The passage highlights that Abijam's heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Despite this, for David's sake, the LORD allowed his lineage to continue.

2. 2 Chronicles 13:1-22 : This account provides additional details about Abijam's reign, particularly his conflict with Jeroboam, the king of Israel. It describes a significant battle where Abijam addressed the armies of Israel, emphasizing the covenantal promises to David and the legitimacy of the Davidic line. The LORD granted him victory over Jeroboam, which is attributed to Judah's reliance on God.

Reign and Political Context:
Abijam's reign lasted for three years, approximately from 913 to 911 BCE. His rule was marked by ongoing hostilities with the northern kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam I. The political landscape of the time was characterized by the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, following Solomon's death.

Religious Practices:
The biblical narrative in 1 Kings criticizes Abijam for not fully committing to the worship of Yahweh, as his ancestor David had. The text suggests that he continued some of the idolatrous practices initiated by his father, Rehoboam. However, the account in 2 Chronicles presents a more favorable view, highlighting his reliance on God during the battle against Jeroboam.

Family and Succession:
Abijam was the son of Rehoboam and Maacah, the granddaughter of Absalom. His mother played a significant role in his reign, as noted in the biblical texts. After his death, Abijam was succeeded by his son Asa, who is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry.

Legacy:
Abijam's legacy is mixed, with the biblical accounts providing both critical and favorable perspectives. His short reign is often overshadowed by the more extensive and reformative rule of his son Asa. Despite his shortcomings, the continuation of the Davidic line through Abijam is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to David.1 Kings 14:31
And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And Abijam his son reigned in his stead.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 15:1
Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 12:16
And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.
Nave's Topical Index

38. Abiyyam -- "father of (the) sea," an Israelite name
... Abijam. From 'ab and yam; father of (the) sea (ie Seaman); Abijam (or Abijah), a
king of Judah -- Abijam. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREW yam. 37, 38. Abiyyam. 39 ...
/hebrew/38.htm - 6k

And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
... that which was " " " " " evil in the " " " " " sight of Jehovah" " " " " 2. Abijam
"Evil "Son "None ... 10. Name the worst king in Judah and the ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv and v the kingdom.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... He anointed Saul as king, who was the first that ... son of Amame, and he who came from
Judah to Jeroboam ... After him his son Abijam, twenty-three years; and likewise ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... desert of Judah and his sojourn at Zilclag"The battle of Gilboa and the death of
Saul"The struggle between Ish-bosheth and David"David sole king, and the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was King Abijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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