Abishua אֲבִישׁוּעַ

Male Tribe of Levi H0050G 2 books

Son of Phinehas, grandson of Eleazar the high priest

Who is Abishua in the Bible?

Abishua was the son of Phinehas and grandson of Eleazar, the high priest and son of Aaron (1 Chronicles 6:4-5). He belonged to the Levitical priesthood and served as part of the priestly line that ministered in Israel's tabernacle and temple during the early monarchy period. Although Scripture provides no specific details about his individual role or accomplishments, Abishua appears in genealogical records, including the lineage of Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:5), demonstrating the unbroken priestly succession from Aaron through the generations. His significance lies in his place within the chain of high priests that established the legitimacy of Israel's religious leadership.

Biography

Abishua was the son of Phinehas and the grandson of Eleazar, who was the son of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel (1Ch.6.4-5,50). He was part of the lineage of high priests who served in the tabernacle and, later, in the temple.

As a descendant of Aaron, Abishua would have been part of the Levitical priesthood, although no specific details are given about his role or responsibilities. His mention in the genealogies serves to trace the line of high priests from Aaron to the time of the divided monarchy.

Abishua is also mentioned in the genealogy of Ezra, the scribe and priest who led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem during the Persian period (Ezr.7.5). This genealogy demonstrates Ezra's priestly lineage and his connection to the line of high priests stretching back to Aaron, including Abishua.

Family

In Scripture

2 biblical books ; 1 with study content
1 Chronicles 3 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 6:4

    "Eleazar was the father of Phinehas, Phinehas was the father of Abishua,"

  • 1 Chronicles 6:5

    "Abishua was the father of Bukki, Bukki was the father of Uzzi,"

  • 1 Chronicles 6:50

    "These were the descendants of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,"

Ezra 1 verse
  • Ezra 7:5

    "the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—"

    Study Ezra →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew אֲבִישׁוּעַ
Encyclopedia Article

Abishua

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

hinehas, who was grandson to Aaron (1Ch 6:4,5,50, Ezr 7:5).

a-bi'-shur ('abhishur, "my father is a wall"): Great-grandson of Jerahmeel and Atarah, Jerahmeel being great-grandson of Judah. Abishur was son of Shammai, and was the husband of Abihail, and the father of sons (<ref