Abijam
“Father of the sea, or father of the west”
Summary
The son of Rehoboam who reigned as king of Judah for three years, also known as Abijah in Chronicles.
☩Name and Variants
The name Abijam, meaning 'father of the sea' or 'father of the west,' appears exclusively in the book of Kings, while Chronicles uses the form Abijah ('my father is Yahweh'). Some scholars suggest the change reflects Chronicles' more favorable assessment of his reign.
☩Reign
Abijam succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam's reign over Israel. He reigned for three years in Jerusalem. Kings records that he walked in all the sins of his father and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord.
☩War with Israel
Despite his personal failings, Chronicles records a remarkable military victory over Jeroboam and Israel, attributing it to Judah's reliance on God. Before the battle, Abijam delivered a speech rebuking Israel for their idolatrous worship of the golden calves.
☩Divine Preservation
God preserved the lamp of David in Jerusalem despite Abijam's unfaithfulness, for the sake of His covenant with David. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises even when His people fail.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Abijam," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Abijam," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).