The name “Abiah” or “Abijah” in the Bible is of Hebrew origin, and it means “Yahweh is my father” or “the Lord is my father.” This name emphasizes a strong relationship or connection with God, reflecting a deep sense of religious or spiritual belonging.
In the Bible, several individuals are named Abiah or Abijah:
1. **Abiah, Son of Samuel**: In the Old Testament, Abiah was one of the sons of Samuel, the prophet. He is mentioned in 1 Samuel 8:2 as being appointed a judge over Israel, though his conduct, along with his brother’s, led the Israelites to demand a king.
2. **Abijah, King of Judah**: Another notable figure is Abijah (or Abijam), who was a king of Judah, the grandson of King David. His story is detailed in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 13.
3. **Other References**: There are also other individuals named Abijah in the Bible, including a descendant of Aaron, the priest (1 Chronicles 24:10), and a member of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:8).
The name Abiah/Abijah reflects the theistic culture of the Israelites, where names often carried declarations of faith or aspects of one’s relationship with God.