The name Abdi (Hebrew: עַבְדִּי, `Abdi) means “My Servant” or a shortened form of “Servant of the Lord.” Unlike many single-mention figures in the Bible, this name refers to at least two, and possibly three, distinct individuals who served in different capacities across various periods of Israelite history, primarily within the Levitical lines.
Abdi the Ancestor of a Psalmist
The first and most ancient reference to a man named Abdi places him in the genealogy of the Levites during the early monarchy.
- Lineage: A Levite of the family of Merari.
- Family Connection: He is identified as the father of Kishi, and the grandfather of Ethan the Singer. Ethan was one of the principal temple musicians appointed by King David to lead the music service.
- Scripture Reference (KJV):“And on the left hand their brethren the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch;” (1 Chronicles 6:44)
This Abdi represents a line of dedicated service to the sanctuary, with his grandson Ethan being a key figure in establishing the organized worship and praise in Jerusalem under David.
Abdi the Father of a Reformer
A second man bearing the name Abdi lived centuries later, during the time of national revival in Judah.
- Time Period: The reign of King Hezekiah (c. 715–686 B.C.).
- Role in History: He is the father of Kish, a Levite who took part in King Hezekiah’s efforts to cleanse and restore the defiled Temple of the Lord. The King initiated the reform in the first month of his reign, signaling an urgent return to covenant faithfulness.
- Scripture Reference (KJV):“Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah;” (2 Chronicles 29:12)
This Abdi is significant for having a son who was one of the faithful Levites called upon for the vital work of purifying the sanctuary, an action necessary to restore God’s blessing upon the nation.
Abdi the Post-Exilic Penitent
A third individual named Abdi is found among those who returned from the Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem.
- Time Period: The post-exilic period under Ezra (c. 458 B.C.).
- Role in History: This Abdi was one of the men who had transgressed the Law by marrying “strange wives” (foreign women). Following the powerful call to repentance by Ezra and the princes, he was one of those listed who agreed to put away their foreign wives to restore the purity of Israel’s covenant with God.
- Scripture Reference (KJV):“And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.” (Ezra 10:26)
This final mention highlights a man named Abdi who, despite his transgression, demonstrated true repentance by participating in a national act of covenant renewal, upholding the sacred boundary of the chosen people. The occurrences of the name Abdi across these vastly different eras underscore a key biblical theme: that the duty of being a “servant of the Lord” is a perpetual obligation, whether through faithful worship, national reformation, or personal repentance.