Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Abiel" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my father" or "my father is God." It reflects a theophoric element, common in Hebrew names, which often incorporate the name of God.

Biblical References:
Abiel is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the genealogies and narratives surrounding the early monarchy of Israel.

1. 1 Samuel 9:1 :
"Now there was a man of Benjamin named Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor."

In this passage, Abiel is identified as the grandfather of Saul, the first king of Israel. Kish, Saul's father, is described as the son of Abiel, placing Abiel within the tribe of Benjamin. This lineage highlights the noble and valorous heritage from which Saul descended.

2. 1 Samuel 14:50-51 :
"The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was the son of Abiel."

Here, Abiel is again mentioned as the father of Ner, making him the grandfather of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. This connection further emphasizes Abiel's significance within the tribal and familial structures of Benjamin, linking him to key figures in Saul's reign.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Abiel's mention in the genealogies of Saul and Abner underscores the importance of lineage and family connections in ancient Israelite society. The tribe of Benjamin, to which Abiel belonged, played a crucial role in the early history of Israel, particularly during the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

Role and Significance:
While Abiel himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his role as an ancestor to significant characters like Saul and Abner highlights the importance of familial heritage in the biblical text. His inclusion in the genealogies serves to legitimize the leadership of Saul and his family, providing a backdrop of valor and nobility.

Related Figures:
· Kish: Son of Abiel and father of Saul, Kish is described as a "mighty man of valor," indicating a family tradition of strength and leadership.
· Saul: Grandson of Abiel, Saul becomes the first king of Israel, marking a pivotal moment in Israelite history.
· Abner: Another grandson of Abiel, Abner serves as the commander of Saul's army and plays a significant role in the political and military events of the time.

Genealogical Significance:
The genealogical records in which Abiel appears serve to establish the legitimacy and heritage of Israel's first royal family. These records are crucial for understanding the tribal dynamics and the historical context of the early monarchy in Israel.Abiel or Abiel

(father of strength , i.e. strong).

1. Father of Kish, and consequently grandfather of Saul, (1 Samuel 9:1) as well as of Abner, Saul's commander-in-chief. (1 Samuel 14:51) (B.C. 1093-1055.)
2. One of David's mighty men. (1 Chronicles 11:32) In (2 Samuel 23:31) he is called ABI-ALBON. (B.C. 1053.)

22. Abiel -- "El is my father," an Israelite name
... Abiel. 23 . "El is my father," an Israelite name. Transliteration: Abiel Phonetic
Spelling: (ab-ee-ale') Short Definition: Abiel. ... name NASB Word Usage Abiel (3 ...
/hebrew/22.htm - 6k

Holmes
... the son of Rev. Abiel Holmes, DD, a Congregational minister, and was born
in Cambridge, Mass., August 29, 1809. He was graduated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/holmes.htm

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