Abihud
Abihud was a son of Bela and a descendant of Benjamin mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe.
Biography
Abihud appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin as a son of Bela, Benjamin's firstborn son (1 Chronicles 8:3). His name, meaning "father of majesty" or "my father is glory," places him in the third generation descended from the patriarch Jacob. Beyond this genealogical notice, Scripture records no further details of his life or deeds. He belongs to the early era when the sons of Israel sojourned in Egypt and began to multiply into the clans and families that would later inherit the Promised Land. His mention, though brief, contributes to the careful documentation of Israelite lineage that the biblical authors considered essential to Israel's identity and heritage.
Significance
Though Abihud occupies only a single line in the Benjaminite genealogy (1 Chronicles 8:3), his inclusion reflects the Bible's consistent theological conviction that every person within the covenant community matters. The genealogies of Chronicles were not mere historical record-keeping; they served to demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations, preserving the identity of each tribe through exile and return. Benjamin's lineage held special importance as the tribe that produced Israel's first king, Saul, and later sheltered the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). Abihud's place in that lineage is a quiet testimony to God's meticulous care for his people across time.
Verse Appearances (1)
1 Chronicles
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]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]