Abinadab אֲבִינָדָב
Son of Jesse, brother of David
Who is Abinadab in the Bible?
Abinadab was the second son of Jesse and an older brother of King David (1 Samuel 16:8; 1 Chronicles 2:13). When the prophet Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel, Abinadab was presented as a candidate, but the Lord did not choose him, and Samuel continued seeking until he found and anointed David, the youngest son (1 Samuel 16:6-13). Along with his brothers Eliab and Shammah, Abinadab served in Saul's army during the conflict with the Philistines and was present when David arrived at the battlefield to confront Goliath (1 Samuel 17:13). His significance in Scripture lies in the contrast between human judgment and God's selection, as he was passed over despite his seniority in favor of his youngest brother, who would become Israel's greatest king.
Biography
Abinadab was the second son of Jesse, a Bethlehemite, and an older brother of King David (1Sa.16.8; 1Ch.2.13). When the prophet Samuel came to Jesse's house to anoint one of his sons as the next king of Israel, Abinadab was presented to him. However, the Lord had not chosen Abinadab, and Samuel continued to inquire until David, the youngest son, was brought before him and anointed (1Sa.16.6-13).
Abinadab, along with his brothers Eliab and Shammah, served in Saul's army during the war against the Philistines (1Sa.17.13). They were present when David, their youngest brother, arrived at the battlefront and challenged the Philistine champion Goliath (1Sa.17.17-28).
Family
Parents
Siblings
- David Tribe of JudahKing of JudahAnointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus ChristView full profile →
- Eliab Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherEldest brother of King DavidView full profile →
- Shimeah Tribe of BenjaminSaul's familySon of Mikloth and nephew of Ner in Benjamin's genealogy.View full profile →
- Nethanel Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherBrother of DavidView full profile →
- Raddai Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherOne of David's brothers, son of JesseView full profile →
- Ozem Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherBrother of DavidView full profile →
- Elihu Tribe of JudahDavid's brotherLeader of the tribe of Judah.View full profile →
- Zeruiah Tribe of JudahSister of DavidSister of David; mother of Joab, Abishai, and AsahelView full profile →
- Abigail FemaleDavid's wifeWife of Nabal, later married DavidView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Samuel 2 verses
- 1 Samuel 16:8
"Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”"
- 1 Samuel 17:13
"The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 2:13
"Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲבִינָדָב |