Who was Iddo in the Bible?

Iddo was a leader of the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan River during the reign of King David. He is specifically mentioned as the father of the prophet Zechariah (1 Chronicles 27:21).

Why is Iddo significant in the Bible?

Iddo's significance lies in his leadership role and his lineage. As a tribal leader, he helped administer King David's kingdom, and he is the recorded ancestor of the important prophet Zechariah, who authored a book of the Bible.

What key events was Iddo involved in?

The Bible records Iddo's key event as his service as a leader for the tribe of Manasseh when David organized his officials and army commanders (1 Chronicles 27:16-22). He oversaw his tribe's contingent for one month of each year.

Iddo

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLeaderFather

Iddo, the father of Zechariah, was a leader of the half-tribe of Manasseh during King David's reign.

Iddo

Biography

Iddo the father of Zechariah (not the prophet) served as the appointed leader over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead during the reign of King David. He is named in 1 Chronicles 27:21 as one of the tribal officers responsible for administering the affairs of his tribe under the royal administration. His son Zechariah succeeded him in this leadership capacity. Iddo's position placed him among the inner circle of David's governing officials, a class of men entrusted with maintaining order, collecting resources, and representing their constituencies before the crown. He exemplifies the kind of capable, loyal administrator whose faithfulness behind the scenes made the prosperity of David's kingdom possible.

Significance

Iddo's service as a tribal leader under David illustrates the importance of faithful, competent administration in the biblical vision of ordered community. David's kingdom depended not only on warriors and prophets but on reliable leaders who governed diverse tribal constituencies with integrity. This Iddo stands as a representative of the many unnamed and briefly named servants of God whose diligence supported the broader work of the kingdom, a pattern that resonates with New Testament teaching on faithful stewardship (Luke 16:10). His lineage continuing through his son Zechariah also reflects the biblical principle that faithful service tends to establish a legacy of leadership.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 27:21

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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