Our Daily Devotional

ABIHU “God is my father”. Name of the second of Aaron’s sons with Elizabeth (Ex. 6:23), honored with his brother Nadab (Ex. 24: 1) and chosen to be part of the priestly family with his three brothers (Ex. 28:41). He was punished by God for not having had due respect for holy things, having burned … Read more

ABISHUA “father of well-being.” High priest, the fourth to have this dignity. Son of Phineas (1 Chr. 6:4-5). He was a great-grandson of Aaron (1 Chr. 5:30-31; 6:35; Ezra 7:5).

ABYSS Greek, “abyssos” = “bottomless.” Term used in the LXX version to translate the Hebrew word meaning “depth.” In the Old Testament it means the universal sea that enveloped everything that existed, heaven and earth. On the second day God separates the waters that were above the firmament from those that were below. The word … Read more

Abishai “source of wealth” or “father of the gift.” He was the son of Zeruiah, David’s half-sister, and brother of Joab. He served David many years as one of his mighty men. He went with David to Saul’s camp while Saul slept (1 Sam. 25:6-9), and expressed the intention to kill him, which David objected … Read more

ABISHAG “Father of Error” may also mean “Father of Emigration.” A young woman from Shunem, in Issachar, of great beauty, cared for King David in her old age. The king, however, “never knew her” (1 Kings 1:4). When he died, Adonijah, who had already tried to seize the throne for himself and had been forgiven, … Read more

ABIRAM “father of elevation” is an admissible variable of Abram. (See) (a) A Reubenite, son of Eliab, who joined the conspiracy led by Korah against Moses and Aaron, dying under the judgment of God (Num. 16). (b) Eldest son of Hiel, of Bethel. Gall laid the foundation of Jericho on his firstborn, thus fulfilling the … Read more

ABINADAC “father of abundance.” (a) Man of Kiryat-jearim; The ark returned by the Philistines remained in his house for twenty years (1 Sam. 7:1). His son Eleazar was given custody of him. (b) Second son of Jesse (1 Sam. 16:8; 17:13). (c) Son of Saul (1 Sam. 31:2). (d) Father of a son-in-law of Solomon … Read more

ABIMELEC “Father of the king.” There are several that have this name: (a) King of Gerar. Believing that Sarah was Abraham’s sister, he took her into her harem; Warned by God, he returned Sarah, calling Abraham his brother, as a reproach (Gen. 20). (b) A similar thing happened to Isaac and Rebekah under another king … Read more

ABIEL (a) Grandfather of Saul and Abner (1 Sam. 9:1; 14:51). (b) One of the “mighty men of David” (1 Chron. 11:32); also called Abi-albon (2 Samuel 23:31)

ABIB Hebrew, “abib” = “ripe ears.” Old name of an Israelite month corresponding to March-April in our calendar and in which the crossing of the Red Sea took place. This name is older than the name Nisan given in New Testament times (Ex. 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; Deut. 16:1). Nisan is called after the return from … Read more