Topical Bible: Children: Abijah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
The name Abijah, meaning "My Father is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my Father," is a significant biblical name borne by several individuals in the Old Testament. This entry will explore the notable figures named Abijah, focusing on their roles and contributions within the biblical narrative.

1. Abijah, Son of Rehoboam:
Abijah, the son of Rehoboam and grandson of Solomon, was the second king of the southern kingdom of Judah. His reign is recorded in 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13. Abijah ruled for three years, and his reign was marked by conflict with Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite his short reign, Abijah is noted for his speech on Mount Zemaraim, where he appealed to the Israelites to remain faithful to the covenant with the LORD, emphasizing the legitimacy of the Davidic line and the temple worship in Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible records his words: "But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him" (2 Chronicles 13:10). Abijah's reign was characterized by a temporary victory over Jeroboam, attributed to his reliance on God.

2. Abijah, Son of Samuel:
Another Abijah mentioned in the Bible is the son of the prophet Samuel. He, along with his brother Joel, served as a judge in Beersheba. However, their leadership was marred by corruption, as they "turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:3). Their misconduct led the Israelites to demand a king, which ultimately resulted in the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel.

3. Abijah, Descendant of Aaron:
Abijah is also the name of a priestly division established by King David. This division is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 24:10, where Abijah is listed as the head of the eighth division of priests. This division continued to serve in the temple, and it is noteworthy in the New Testament context as Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, belonged to the priestly division of Abijah (Luke 1:5).

4. Other References:
The name Abijah appears in various genealogies and lists throughout the Old Testament, indicating its common usage and the importance of lineage in Israelite society. Each mention of Abijah, whether as a king, a priest, or a judge, reflects different aspects of Israel's history and the ongoing relationship between God and His people.

Significance:
The individuals named Abijah in the Bible highlight themes of leadership, faithfulness, and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Abijah, son of Rehoboam, serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on God for victory and legitimacy. In contrast, Abijah, son of Samuel, illustrates the dangers of corruption and the impact of leadership failures on a nation. The priestly division of Abijah underscores the continuity of worship and service to God across generations.

Conclusion:
The name Abijah, with its meaning rooted in the acknowledgment of God as Father, serves as a testament to the enduring presence and authority of God in the lives of His people. Each bearer of the name contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical history, offering lessons in faith, leadership, and the consequences of human actions.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 14:13
And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ...
... this defeat Jeroboam never recovered himself during the life of Abijah, who yet
did ... two sons, and sixteen daughters; and he had also those children by fourteen ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning the death.htm

Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ...
... he had married a woman of his own kindred, and had by her three children born to ...
Tamar, whose name was Maachah, and by her he had a son, whom he named Abijah. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning rehoboam and.htm

The Secret of victory
... 'The children of Judah ... are the summing-up of the story of a strange old-world battle
between Jeroboam, the adventurer who rent the kingdom, and Abijah, the son ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the secret of victory.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... Of these courses that of Abijah was the eighth] of Abijah: and he had a wife of
the daughters of Aaron ... [See verse 41.] 16 And many of the children of Israel ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25
... king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he
had ... Spirit, even from his mother's womb.16 And many of the children of Israel ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the birth of john.htm

The Promised Birth of John the Baptist.
... king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he
had ... And many of the children of Israel shall he turn unto the Lord their God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the promised birth of john.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... "But if his children forsake My ... In 955 Abijah came to the throne instead of Rehoboam,
and was permitted to gain a great victory over Jeroboam, but he died at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... from Jerusalem, which he named Absalom's Hand, saying, that if his children were
killed ... she was married to David's grandson, Rehoboam, bare a son, Abijah by name ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

The House of Zacharias.
... Let the children of God draw together, to encourage each other in their holy faith,
and ... Zacharias was a priest, "of the course of Abijah," and twice a year he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ii the house of zacharias.htm

In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...
... was in the days of Herod the king a priest whose name was Zacharias, of the family
of Abijah; and his ... 94] And he shall turn back many of the children of Israel ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section i in the beginning.htm