Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Abda" is derived from the Hebrew root "עָבַד" (avad), meaning "servant" or "to serve." Thus, Abda can be understood to mean "servant" or "servant of the Lord."

Biblical References:
Abda is mentioned in the Old Testament in two distinct contexts, each referring to a different individual.

1. Abda, Father of Adoniram:
Abda is first mentioned in the context of the administrative structure of King Solomon's reign. In 1 Kings 4:6, Abda is identified as the father of Adoniram, who was in charge of forced labor under Solomon. The verse states: "Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor." This role was significant in the organization of the kingdom, as forced labor was a key component in the construction of Solomon's projects, including the temple and his palace.

2. Abda, a Levite:
The second mention of Abda is found in the book of Nehemiah, where he is listed among the Levites who returned to Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. In Nehemiah 11:17, Abda is referred to as the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. The verse reads: "Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun." This Abda was part of the Levitical families responsible for the musical and liturgical aspects of worship in the restored temple.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The role of Abda as the father of Adoniram highlights the importance of administrative positions in the ancient Israelite monarchy. The system of forced labor was a common practice in the ancient Near East, used to support large-scale building projects and other state needs. Adoniram's position under Solomon indicates a well-organized bureaucratic system.

The mention of Abda in Nehemiah reflects the post-exilic period's focus on re-establishing religious practices and temple worship in Jerusalem. The Levites, including Abda, played a crucial role in this restoration, emphasizing the continuity of worship and the importance of music and prayer in the community's spiritual life.

Genealogical Significance:
The genealogical details provided in Nehemiah link Abda to the line of Jeduthun, one of the chief musicians appointed by King David. This connection underscores the hereditary nature of Levitical duties and the preservation of musical traditions across generations.

Theological Implications:
The name "Abda," meaning "servant," reflects a recurring biblical theme of servanthood, both in terms of human relationships and in relation to God. The individuals named Abda in the Bible exemplify service in different capacities—administrative and religious—highlighting the diverse ways in which service to God and community is manifested in the biblical narrative.Abda

a servant; servitude

Abda

1. Father of Adoniram. (1 Kings 4:6)
2. Son of Shammua, (Nehemiah 11:17) called Obadiah in (1 Chronicles 9:16)

Servant.

(1.) The father of Adoniram, whom Solomon set over the tribute (1 Kings 4:6); i.e., the forced labour (R.V., "levy").

(2.) A Levite of the family of Jeduthun (Nehemiah 11:17), also called Obadiah (1 Chronicles 9:16).

ABDA

ab'-da (`abhda', perhaps, by abbreviation, "servant of Yahweh"):

(1) The father of Adoniram, King Solomon's superintendent of forced labor (1 Kings 4:6).

(2) A Levite mentioned in the statistical note in (Nehemiah 11:17). This "Abda the son of Shammua" is in the partly duplicate passage in (1 Chronicles 9:16) called "Obadiah the son of Shemaiah."

5653. Abda -- two Israelites
... 5652, 5653. Abda. 5654 . two Israelites. Transliteration: Abda Phonetic Spelling:
(ab-daw') Short Definition: Abda. ... NASB Word Usage Abda (2). Abda. ...
/hebrew/5653.htm - 6k

Letter C
... Charles "Received 1833 * Choice, William "Received 1832 * Christenbury, Daniel F. ,
"Received 1815, Expelled 1829 * Christian, Abda "Received 1805 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter c.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Abda (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ABDA. ... This "Abda the son of Shammua" is in the partly
duplicate passage in (1 Chronicles 9:16) called "Obadiah the son of Shemaiah." ...
/a/abda.htm - 8k

Rezeph (2 Occurrences)
... to 775 BC, Sin-sallimanni in 747, and Bel-emuranni in 737 BC Judging from their
names, all these were Assyrians, but a seemingly native governor, Abda'u (or ...
/r/rezeph.htm - 9k

Adoniram (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Adoram, 1 Kings 12:18), the son of Abda, was
"over the tribute," ie, the levy or forced labour. He was ...
/a/adoniram.htm - 10k

Abba (3 Occurrences)

/a/abba.htm - 9k

Obadiah (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 9:44). (6) A Levite descended from Jeduthun (1 Chronicles
9:16), identical with Abda (Nehemiah 11:17). (7) A chief ...
/o/obadiah.htm - 32k

Overseer (84 Occurrences)
... BBE). 1 Kings 4:6 Ahishar was controller of the king's house; Adoniram,
the son of Abda, was overseer of the forced work. (BBE). 1 ...
/o/overseer.htm - 32k

Jeduthun (15 Occurrences)
... Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving
in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son ...
/j/jeduthun.htm - 13k

Jedu'thun (11 Occurrences)
... Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving
in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brethren; and Abda the son ...
/j/jedu'thun.htm - 10k

Levy-service (1 Occurrence)
... Levy-service (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:6 and Ahishar was over the household;
and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the levy-service. (DBY). ...
/l/levy-service.htm - 6k

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