Abida (often called Abidah in the King James Version of Genesis) is a biblical figure primarily noted in the genealogies of Abraham’s descendants. His brief mention in scripture links him to one of the most prominent groups of people in the later narrative of Israel—the Midianites.
The Lineage of Abraham
Abida’s identity is defined by his grandfather, Abraham, and the promise of a multi-national heritage.
- Grandson of Abraham: Abida was a grandson of Abraham through his wife, or concubine, Keturah. He was a son of Midian, the fourth son born to Abraham and Keturah.
- Family Tree: His full lineage, which places him outside the covenant line of Isaac, is given in the book of Genesis.
“And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.” (Genesis 25:4, KJV)
The King James Version also records him in the Chronicler’s repetition of this genealogy:
“And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.” (1 Chronicles 1:33, KJV)
Founder of a Tribe
The mention of Abida and his brothers is not for a narrative event, but to document the nations that sprang from Abraham’s later family.
- The Midianites: As a son of Midian, Abida is generally considered to be the ancestor of one of the Midianite clans that settled to the east and south of the Promised Land. These people, known as Midianites, would later have numerous, often adversarial, interactions with the Israelites, most famously in the time of Moses (through his father-in-law, Jethro, who was a priest of Midian) and in the time of Gideon.
- The Eastern Dispersion: The scriptures record that Abraham sent these descendants away with gifts to the east country while he was still alive. This action ensured the promised inheritance would belong solely to Isaac.
“But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.” (Genesis 25:6, KJV)
Abida, therefore, represents a fulfillment of God’s promise to make Abraham the “father of many nations” (Genesis 17:4), even as his descendants were separated from the unique covenant promised to Isaac.