Zabdi is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the events surrounding the sin of Achan. He is identified as the father of Carmi and is part of the lineage of the tribe of Judah. The primary reference to Zabdi is found in the Book of Joshua, which details the conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 7:1 : "But the Israelites acted unfaithfully regarding the devoted things. Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was devoted, and the LORD’s anger burned against the Israelites."

In this passage, Zabdi is mentioned as the grandfather of Achan, who committed a grave sin by taking items devoted to destruction during the conquest of Jericho. This act of disobedience led to Israel's initial defeat at Ai and brought God's judgment upon the nation. The lineage is significant as it traces the ancestry of Achan, highlighting the familial and tribal connections within the narrative.

2. Joshua 7:17-18 : "He had the clans of Judah come forward, and the clan of the Zerahites was selected. He had the Zerahite clan come forward by families, and Zabdi was selected. He then had Zabdi’s family come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected."

These verses describe the process by which Achan was identified as the transgressor. The selection process underscores the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. Zabdi's mention here serves to establish the familial line through which the sin was traced, emphasizing the communal nature of sin and its consequences.

Genealogical Context:

Zabdi is part of the Zerahite clan within the tribe of Judah. The tribe of Judah holds a prominent place in biblical history, being one of the twelve tribes of Israel and the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The Zerahites are descendants of Zerah, one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, as recorded in Genesis 38.

Theological Implications:

The account of Zabdi and his descendants, particularly Achan, serves as a cautionary tale about the seriousness of sin and its impact on the community. It illustrates the principle that individual actions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individual but also their family and nation. The narrative also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for communal accountability.

Zabdi's mention in the Bible, though brief, is integral to understanding the broader narrative of Israel's journey into the Promised Land and the challenges they faced in maintaining faithfulness to God's covenant.Joshua 7:1
But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 17:18
But the mountain shall be yours; for it is a wood, and you shall cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be yours: for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.
Nave's Topical Index

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... 'I am the true vine,' saith Christ, 'and my Father is the ... 'And he brought his household,
man by man, and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

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