Introduction:
Abida is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is recognized as one of the sons of Midian, who was a son of Abraham through his wife Keturah. The name "Abida" is sometimes rendered as "Abidah" in various translations. The genealogical records in the Bible provide insight into the descendants of Abraham and their roles in the broader narrative of the Israelite people.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 25:1-4 :
"Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah."

In this passage, Abida is listed as one of the sons of Midian. Midian, being a son of Abraham, places Abida within the broader Abrahamic lineage. This genealogy highlights the expansion of Abraham's family through Keturah and the establishment of various tribes and peoples.

2. 1 Chronicles 1:32-33 :
"The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah."

This passage from 1 Chronicles reiterates the genealogy found in Genesis, confirming Abida's place among the sons of Midian. The chronicler's account serves to preserve the lineage and heritage of Abraham's descendants through Keturah.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Abida, as a descendant of Midian, is part of a lineage that played a significant role in the ancient Near East. The Midianites, descendants of Midian, were a nomadic people who inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula. They are frequently mentioned in the context of trade and interactions with the Israelites.

The genealogical records in which Abida appears are crucial for understanding the complex family dynamics and tribal affiliations in the biblical narrative. These records also reflect the broader theme of God's promise to Abraham to make him the father of many nations, as seen in the diverse descendants through his sons.

Name Meaning:

The name "Abida" is thought to mean "father of knowledge" or "my father knows," reflecting a common practice in biblical times of names bearing significant meanings or attributes. This etymology underscores the cultural importance of names in conveying identity and heritage.

Conclusion:

Abida's mention in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles serves as a testament to the expansive family of Abraham and the fulfillment of God's promises to him. While Abida himself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in these genealogies highlights the interconnectedness of the various tribes and peoples descended from Abraham.1 Chronicles 1:33
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
Nave's Topical Index

28. Abida -- "my father took knowledge," a son of Midian
... 27, 28. Abida. 29 . "my father took knowledge," a son of Midian. Transliteration:
Abida Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-daw') Short Definition: Abida. ...
/hebrew/28.htm - 6k

Chapter xxv
... that "Ephah" may have been Midian's most distinguished son. ... tribes that lay nearest
to Midian"Judah, Manasseh ... "Abida" and "Eldaah" had best be classed merely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

What is the significance of Midian in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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