The King’s Messenger in the Age of Prophecy
The name Achbor appears in the King James Version of the Bible referring to at least two distinct individuals, separated by centuries and nationality. The most prominent, and the one whose actions are interwoven with the history of Judah, was a high official in the court of King Josiah.
Achbor, the Counsellor of Judah
The Achbor of historical significance is identified as the son of Michaiah (or Micah in Chronicles) and a trusted courtier of the righteous King Josiah. His role is illuminated in a pivotal moment of national repentance—the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple.
When the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law during the repair of the house of the LORD, its words deeply moved King Josiah, who realized how far the nation had strayed from God’s commandments. In his distress, the king commissioned a delegation to inquire of the LORD concerning the threatening curses written in the book. Achbor was one of the five men chosen for this sacred mission.
The Scripture records his inclusion in this essential group:
“And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” (2 Kings 22:12-13, KJV)
The delegation subsequently visited Huldah the prophetess, who confirmed the truth of the discovered scroll and prophesied destruction upon Jerusalem for its idolatry, while granting a reprieve for Josiah due to his humility. Achbor’s name is listed among those who delivered the king’s desperate inquiry to the LORD’s messenger: “So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess…” (2 Kings 22:14, KJV).
In the parallel passage in Chronicles, he is referred to as Abdon the son of Micah: “And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king’s, saying,” (2 Chronicles 34:20, KJV).
Furthermore, the same Achbor is widely believed to be the father of Elnathan, a prince who served during the turbulent reign of King Jehoiakim, Josiah’s successor, and who notably attempted to dissuade the king from burning the roll of the prophet Jeremiah’s words (Jeremiah 36:12, 25). This shows a family line maintaining a presence in the royal court, and Elnathan’s action suggests a continuing sense of justice, much like Achbor’s role in the great reformation under Josiah.
Achbor, the Edomite Ancestor
A different man by the name Achbor is mentioned in the ancient genealogies concerning the lineage of Esau, the father of the Edomites. He is noted as the ancestor of one of the kings who reigned in Edom before the Israelites had a king.
“And when Shaul was dead, Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.” (Genesis 36:39, KJV, and 1 Chronicles 1:49, KJV).
This Achbor is identified only as the father of Baal-hanan, one of the kings of Edom. His mention provides genealogical and chronological context to the history of the nation of Edom.