Bible Figure
Abijah
a king of Judah
A king of Judah, son of Rehoboam, who fought against Jeroboam I of Israel.
Biography
Kings gives Abijah, also called Abijam, a brief and negative evaluation, saying his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord like David's. Chronicles gives a fuller account of a major battle with Jeroboam, in which Abijah appealed to Judah's Davidic kingship and Temple worship. Judah cried to the Lord when ambushed and won a decisive victory. Abijah reigned three years in Jerusalem and was succeeded by his son Asa.
Biblical Significance
Abijah's accounts illustrate both the shortcomings of Judah's kings and God's continuing faithfulness to the Davidic promise. Chronicles particularly emphasizes reliance on the Lord in the battle with Jeroboam.