Abinadab אֲבִינָדָב
Son of King Saul, killed in battle
Who is Abinadab in the Bible?
Abinadab, also known as Ishvi, was one of the sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and brother to Jonathan, Malchishua, and Esh-baal (1 Samuel 14:49; 1 Chronicles 8:33). He died alongside his father and brothers during the battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, where Saul's forces were defeated (1 Samuel 31:2; 1 Chronicles 10:2). The bodies of Saul and his sons, including Abinadab, were taken by the Philistines, with Saul's body fastened to the wall of Beth-shan before the men of Jabesh-gilead recovered and buried the remains (1 Samuel 31:8-13). Abinadab's death was historically significant as it marked the end of Saul's dynasty and cleared the path for David to become king over Israel.
Biography
Abinadab, also referred to as Ishvi, was one of the sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel (1Sa.14.49; 1Ch.8.33; 9.39). He was the brother of Jonathan, Malchishua, and Esh-baal (also known as Ish-bosheth).
Abinadab fought alongside his father and brothers in the battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. In this battle, Saul and his sons, including Abinadab, were killed (1Sa.31.2; 1Ch.10.2). The Philistines found their bodies the following day and fastened Saul's body to the wall of Beth-shan, while the bodies of his sons were taken to Jabesh-gilead and buried there (1Sa.31.8-13).
The death of Abinadab and his brothers marked the end of Saul's reign and paved the way for David to become king over Israel.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Jonathan Tribe of JudahSon of JadaSon of Jada, descendant of JudahView full profile →
- Malchi-shua Tribe of BenjaminSon of SaulSon of King Saul, killed in battle against the Philistines.View full profile →
- Merab Tribe of BenjaminSaul's daughterEldest daughter of King Saul.View full profile →
- Michal Tribe of BenjaminSaul's daughterDaughter of Saul; wife of David.View full profile →
- Ish-bosheth Tribe of BenjaminSaul's sonSon of Saul, king over Israel.View full profile →
- Armoni Tribe of BenjaminSaul's familySon of Saul by Rizpah, killed by GibeonitesView full profile →
- Mephibosheth Tribe of BenjaminSon of SaulSon of Saul and Rizpah, given to the Gibeonites.View full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Samuel 2 verses
- 1 Samuel 31:2
"The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua."
- 1 Samuel 14:49
"Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter)."
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 8:33
"Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal."
- 1 Chronicles 9:39
"Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal."
- 1 Chronicles 10:2
"The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲבִינָדָב |
| Named | Hebrew | יִשְׁוִי |