Obadiah(8)
Obadiah in the Bible — foreman over reconstruction of the Temple during Josiah's reign (2CH 34:12). Obadiah belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “servant of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Obadiah was a male Levite who served as a foreman over the reconstruction of the Temple during King Josiah's reign. He belonged to the Merarite clan, descendants of Merari, one of Levi's sons. His role highlights the active participation of the Levites, specifically the Merarites, in the restoration of proper worship in Israel.
Names & Titles
The name Obadiah means 'servant [worshiper] of YHWH,' reflecting a life dedicated to the Lord. This proper name, recorded in 2 Chronicles 34:12, emphasizes his role in serving God, consistent with his Levitical heritage and temple duties.
Family
Scripture explicitly records that Obadiah was a descendant of Merari, linking him to the Merarite branch of the Levites. Beyond this, no additional family relationships are noted in the biblical record.
Significance
Obadiah's significance lies in his leadership role during a pivotal moment of temple restoration under King Josiah, a time of spiritual renewal in Judah. As a Merarite Levite, his oversight contributed to reestablishing proper worship and reverence for God’s house. His work exemplifies faithfulness to God's commands and the importance of Levitical service in maintaining the covenant community.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- עֹבַדְיָהוּ
- Transliteration
- ovedəyahu
- Meaning
- servant [worshiper] of y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Αβδιας
- Reference
- 2CH 34:12
- Strong's
- H5662
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Notes
Merarites (from Merari, son of Levi)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Obadiah in the Bible?
Obadiah was a male Levite who served as a foreman over the reconstruction of the Temple during King Josiah's reign. He belonged to the Merarite clan, descendants of Merari, one of Levi's sons. His role highlights the active participation of the Levites, specifically the Merarites, in the restoration of proper worship in Israel.
What does the name Obadiah mean?
The name Obadiah means “servant of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.