Obadiah עֹבַדְיָ֫הוּ
Gatekeeper, descendant of Jeduthun
Who is Obadiah in the Bible?
Obadiah, also known as Abda, was a gatekeeper and singer who served in the temple during the post-exilic period (1 Chronicles 9:16; Nehemiah 12:25). He was a descendant of Jeduthun, one of David's three principal musicians, which connected him to a distinguished lineage of temple musicians. As a gatekeeper, Obadiah's responsibilities included guarding the temple entrance, maintaining order, and controlling access to the sacred space, while also participating in the musical worship of the temple. His role exemplifies the essential Levitical functions that sustained proper temple worship and the ceremonial life of restored Israel after the exile.
Biography
Obadiah, also known as Abda, was a gatekeeper in the temple during the post-exilic period (1Ch.9.16; Neh.12.25). He was a descendant of Jeduthun, one of the three principal musicians appointed by David (1Ch.16.41-42). Obadiah's duties as a gatekeeper likely included guarding the entrance to the temple, maintaining order, and ensuring that only authorized individuals entered the sacred space. He was also a singer and was involved in the musical aspects of temple worship (Neh.11.17). His service in the temple highlights the importance of the Levitical roles in maintaining the proper functioning of the temple and its worship.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 9:16
"Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites."
Nehemiah 2 verses
- Nehemiah 12:25
"Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates."
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 11:17
"Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun."
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֹבַדְיָ֫הוּ |
| Named | Hebrew | עַבְדָּא |