Who was Abidiah in the Bible?

Abidiah is a name that does not directly appear in the Bible, and it seems there might be a slight confusion or a misspelling of a more commonly known biblical figure. It is possible that the name being referred to is "Abijah" or "Obadiah," both of whom are significant figures in the Old Testament. To clarify and provide a comprehensive understanding, I will cover both Abijah and Obadiah, as they each hold important roles in biblical history.

Abijah in the Bible

Abijah, Son of Rehoboam

Abijah, also spelled Abijam in some translations, was the son of Rehoboam and the grandson of Solomon. He became the king of Judah and is mentioned in 1 Kings 14:31 and 2 Chronicles 13. His reign was relatively short, lasting only three years from approximately 913 to 911 BC.

Abijah's tenure as king is notable for his confrontation with Jeroboam, the king of Israel. This conflict is detailed in 2 Chronicles 13, where Abijah stands on Mount Zemaraim and delivers a speech to Jeroboam and the Israelites, reminding them of the Davidic covenant and their rebellion against God's chosen dynasty. Abijah's speech is a declaration of faith in the Lord, emphasizing that Judah has remained faithful to the temple practices and the Levitical priesthood, while Israel has abandoned these traditions.

2 Chronicles 13:10-12 captures part of Abijah's speech:

"But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the Lord are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken him. God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. People of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed."

Despite his faith and the initial success in battle where Judah defeated Israel, Abijah's reign is also marked by his failure to fully follow the ways of the Lord. 1 Kings 15:3 notes:

"He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been."

This duality in Abijah's character—a king who professes faith yet does not wholly commit to God's ways—serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of leadership in ancient Israel.

Abijah, Son of Jeroboam

Another Abijah mentioned in the Bible is the son of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. This Abijah is noted in 1 Kings 14. Unlike his father, who led Israel into idolatry, Abijah is described favorably. When he fell ill, Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to the prophet Ahijah to inquire about their son's fate. The prophet Ahijah delivered a grave prophecy against Jeroboam's household but noted that Abijah was the only one in Jeroboam's family in whom the Lord found something good (1 Kings 14:13):

"All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will be buried, because he is the only one in the house of Jeroboam in whom the Lord, the God of Israel, has found anything good."

This passage highlights the individual righteousness of Abijah amidst a corrupt dynasty, underscoring the biblical theme that God judges individuals based on their own merits and faithfulness.

Obadiah in the Bible

Obadiah the Prophet

Obadiah is another significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily as the author of the shortest book in the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Obadiah. This prophetic book, consisting of only one chapter, focuses on the judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob.

The context of Obadiah's prophecy is the Edomites' participation in the plundering of Jerusalem during a time of calamity, likely the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Obadiah condemns Edom for their violence against their brother nation, Israel, and foretells their eventual downfall and the restoration of Israel.

Obadiah 1:10-12 declares:

"Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame; you will be destroyed forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble."

The message of Obadiah emphasizes themes of justice, retribution, and the sovereignty of God over all nations. It serves as a reminder that God's covenant with Israel includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, and that God's justice extends to all nations, holding them accountable for their actions against His chosen people.

Obadiah, Ahab's Servant

There is also another Obadiah mentioned in the Bible, who served as a high-ranking official in King Ahab's court. This Obadiah is noted for his devout faith and courage during a time of severe persecution of the prophets of the Lord by Queen Jezebel. 1 Kings 18:3-4 describes his actions:

"Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord. While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.)"

Obadiah's bravery and commitment to God in such a hostile environment is a testament to his faith and integrity. His story intersects with the prophet Elijah's narrative, particularly when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Obadiah's role in preserving the lives of the Lord's prophets highlights the importance of faithful servants who work behind the scenes to uphold God's work and protect His people.

Conclusion

In examining the figures of Abijah and Obadiah, we see a tapestry of faith, leadership, and divine justice woven into the history of Israel. Abijah, both the king of Judah and the son of Jeroboam, presents a complex picture of faith and failure, while Obadiah, whether as a prophet or a protector of prophets, exemplifies unwavering devotion to God. These narratives remind us of the multifaceted nature of biblical characters and the enduring themes of faithfulness, justice, and God's sovereignty that run throughout the Scriptures.