Bible Dictionary
Abda
Abda was the name of two Old Testament men: the father of Adoniram, Solomon’s superintendent of forced labor, and a Levite associated with the musical service and returned community after the exile.
Definition
Abda is the name of two men in the Old Testament. The first was the father of Adoniram, whom Solomon appointed over the levy, or forced labor. The second was a Levite associated with the family or service of Jeduthun and mentioned among the returned community in Nehemiah.
Biblical Usage
Abda appears as the father of Adoniram in 1 Kings 4:6 and as a Levite in Nehemiah 11:17. The latter is called Obadiah, son of Shemaiah, in the partly parallel account of 1 Chronicles 9:16.
Historical Background
The name may be an abbreviated form meaning “servant of Yahweh.” The two occurrences refer to different individuals: one connected with Solomon’s administration and one with Levitical service after the exile.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
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 (Neh. 11:17), also called Obadiah (1 Chr. 9:16).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ab'-da (`abhda', perhaps, by abbreviation, "servant of Yahweh"):</p><p>(1) The father of Adoniram, King Solomon's superintendent of forced labor (1Ki 4:6).</p><p>(2) A Levite mentioned in the statistical note in (Ne 11:17). This "Abda the son of Shammua" is in the partly duplicate passage in (1Ch 9:16) called "Obadiah the son of Shemaiah."</p>