Who was Adnah in the Bible?

Adnah was a military commander from the tribe of Judah who served King Jehoshaphat. He is specifically noted for leading a force of 300,000 mighty men of valor in the king's army (2 Chronicles 17:14).

Why is Adnah mentioned in the Bible?

Adnah is mentioned to illustrate the military strength and divine blessing upon the kingdom of Judah under the righteous reign of King Jehoshaphat. His large contingent of troops showed God's establishment of the kingdom in peace and security (2 Chronicles 17:10-13).

What can we learn from Adnah's life?

While few details are given, Adnah's role teaches the value of faithful service and leadership within God's people. His preparedness contributed to a period where Judah feared the Lord and was therefore strong, reminding us that true security comes from God (2 Chronicles 17:10).

Adnah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleKingCommander

Adnah was a commander from Judah who led 300,000 mighty men of valor in King Jehoshaphat's army.

Adnah

Biography

Adnah was a high-ranking military commander in the kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:14). He held the position of chief commander, leading an impressive force of 300,000 mighty warriors. The Chronicler's listing of Jehoshaphat's military organization, which included Adnah alongside commanders Jehohanan, Amasiah, Eliada, and Jehozabad, reflects the king's broader program of strengthening Judah politically, militarily, and spiritually. Jehoshaphat's reforms included sending Levites and priests to teach the Law throughout the land, and his well-organized army served as a deterrent against foreign incursion. Adnah's command of the largest single contingent suggests he held particular prestige among Judah's military elite.

Significance

Adnah's role within Jehoshaphat's military illustrates a principle prominent throughout Chronicles: faithfulness to God and national strength are intertwined. The Chronicler emphasizes that Jehoshaphat's military power grew precisely because he "walked in the earlier ways of his father David" and sought the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:3). Adnah, commanding the largest force, thus embodies the blessing of covenantal obedience expressed in national security. His position also reflects the importance of skilled, loyal leadership beneath the king, a reminder that God's purposes are often worked out through the dedicated service of those whose names receive only a single mention in the sacred record.

Verse Appearances (1)

2Chr

2Chr 17:14

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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