Abda
TextsWhat is the meaning of Abda in the Bible?
Abda is a biblical name referring to two individuals in the Old Testament. The first was the father of Adoniram, who served as the official in charge of forced labor during the reigns of King David and King Solomon (1 Kings 4:6). The second was a Levite, the son of Shammua, who was among those leading the thanksgiving prayers in Jerusalem after the return from the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 11:17).
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Abda helps trace the administrative lineage in the early Israelite monarchy, specifically regarding the heavy taxation and labor conscription that ultimately led to the kingdom's division. In the post-exilic context, the Levite Abda highlights the restoration of temple worship and the continuity of priestly families in Jerusalem.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Abda in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.