Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Abiah" (also spelled "Abijah") is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh is my Father" or "My Father is Yahweh." It reflects a theophoric element, common in Hebrew names, which incorporates the divine name Yahweh.

Biblical References:

1. Abiah, Son of Samuel:
Abiah is mentioned as one of the sons of the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 8:2 , it is recorded: "The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second son was Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba." Despite their father's reputation, Abiah and his brother Joel were known for their corrupt practices, which led the Israelites to demand a king to rule over them, as noted in 1 Samuel 8:3-5.

2. Abiah, Descendant of Aaron:
Abiah is also listed as a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, through Eleazar. In 1 Chronicles 6:50 , the genealogy of the Levitical priesthood includes: "These were the descendants of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, and Zadok his son." Abiah is sometimes identified with Abijah, who is mentioned in the priestly line.

3. Abiah, Wife of Hezron:
In 1 Chronicles 2:24 , Abiah is mentioned as the wife of Hezron, a descendant of Judah: "After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Abijah, the wife of Hezron, bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa." This reference places Abiah within the genealogical context of the tribe of Judah.

4. Abiah, Son of Jeroboam:
Abiah is also the name of a son of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. In 1 Kings 14:1 , it is noted: "At that time Abijah son of Jeroboam became ill." The narrative continues with the account of how Jeroboam's wife disguised herself to seek a prophecy from the prophet Ahijah regarding their son's fate.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The name Abiah appears in various contexts within the biblical narrative, each with its own historical and theological implications. The sons of Samuel, including Abiah, highlight the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy in Israel, underscoring the people's desire for a centralized leadership due to the failure of Samuel's sons to uphold justice. The mention of Abiah in the priestly lineage emphasizes the continuity and importance of the Levitical priesthood in maintaining religious practices and traditions. The reference to Abiah as the wife of Hezron situates her within the broader genealogical framework of the tribe of Judah, which is significant for understanding the lineage leading to King David. Lastly, the account of Abiah, son of Jeroboam, serves as a narrative of divine judgment and prophecy, reflecting the themes of sin, repentance, and the consequences of disobedience to God.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, names were often imbued with religious significance, reflecting the individual's relationship with God or the circumstances of their birth. The name Abiah, with its invocation of Yahweh, suggests a deep connection to the divine and a recognition of God's sovereignty. The various individuals named Abiah in the Bible illustrate the diverse roles and experiences of those who bore the name, from judges and priests to members of royal and tribal lineages.Abiah

the Lord is my father

Abiah

Second son of Samuel, who appointed his brother and him, judges in Israel. Their corruption and injustice were the pretext upon which the people demanded a king, 1 Samuel 8:1-5.

ABIA; ABIAH

a-bi'-a, a-bi'-ah: Variants for ABIJAH; which see.

29. Abiyyah -- "Yah is my father," an Israelite name
... Abijah. Word Origin from ab and Yah Definition "Yah is my father," an Isr.
name NASB Word Usage Abijah (25). Abiah, Abijah. Or prolonged ...
/hebrew/29.htm - 6k

How Samuel when He was So Infirm with Old Age that He could not ...
... used to do, so he committed the government and the care of the multitude to his
sons,"the elder of whom was called Joel, and the name of the younger was Abiah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how samuel when.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... But as he, and his son, and Abiah the high priest, who was of the posterity of Eli
the high priest, were sitting upon a pretty high hill, and seeing the land ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

The History of Saul
... Israel. Samuel then governed Israel long, and when he was old he set his
sons judges on Israel, whose names were Joel and Abiah. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Abiah (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABIA; ABIAH. a-bi'-a, a-bi'-ah: Variants for ABIJAH;
which see. Multi-Version Concordance Abiah (4 Occurrences). ...
/a/abiah.htm - 7k

Abia (3 Occurrences)
... My father is the Lord, the Greek form of Abijah, or Abijam (Matthew 1:7), instead
of Abiah (1 Chronicles 7:8). In Luke 1:5, the name refers to the head of the ...
/a/abia.htm - 7k

Vashni (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vashni (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 6:28 And the sons
of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah. (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). ...
/v/vashni.htm - 7k

Jerimoth (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 7:8 And the sons of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai,
and Omri, and Jerimoth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. ...
/j/jerimoth.htm - 11k

Teko'a (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:24 And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephrath, then Abiah
Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. (See RSV). ...
/t/teko'a.htm - 9k

Eph'rathah (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:24 And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephrath, then Abiah
Hezron's wife bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. (See RSV). ...
/e/eph'rathah.htm - 8k

Calebephratah (1 Occurrence)
... Calebephratah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:24 And after that Hezron was dead in
Calebephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa. ...
/c/calebephratah.htm - 6k

Ashur (6 Occurrences)
... (WBS). 1 Chronicles 2:24 And after that Hezron was dead in Calebephratah, then Abiah
Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa. (KJV WBS). ...
/a/ashur.htm - 8k

Abialbon (1 Occurrence)

/a/abialbon.htm - 7k

Abijah (32 Occurrences)
... She is also called Abi (2 Kings 18:2). (8.) One of the sons of Becher, the son of
Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:8). "Abiah," AV. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/a/abijah.htm - 25k

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

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