Yhdistynyt kuningaskuntaSoldierSon of JesseBrother of Davidc. 1040–? BC
Among Jesse's sons in Bethlehem, Abinadab was the second oldest – an older brother of David, whom God chose as king over Israel. When the prophet Samuel visited the family to anoint Saul's successor, Abinadab was the second to step forward, but the Lord made it known to Samuel that he too was not the chosen one. Later, Abinadab served in King Saul's army alongside his brothers Eliab and Shammah during the confrontation with the Philistines in the Valley of Elah. Although he never played a prominent role in biblical history, his presence helps illuminate the central theological theme that God's choice breaks through human rankings and outward qualifications.
When the prophet Samuel came to Bethlehem to anoint a new king among Jesse's sons, Jesse brought Abinadab forward as the second in line. However, the Lord told Samuel that this one was not chosen either. After all the present sons had passed by, Samuel asked if there were more, and Jesse then spoke of David, the youngest, who was tending the sheep.
11So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the young men you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered. "He is out tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him. We will not sit down until he comes here."
Served in Saul's army against the Philistines in the Valley of Elah
Abinadab was one of Jesse's three eldest sons who accompanied King Saul to war against the Philistines in the Valley of Elah. Together with his brothers Eliab and Shammah, he stood in the Israelite battle formation while the Philistine giant Goliath daily challenged and mocked the army of Israel. No one in the army dared to take up the fight—until the younger brother David arrived at the camp with supplies and volunteered for battle.
13Jesse's three oldest sons had gone with Saul to the war. The names of the three who went to battle were Eliab the firstborn, Abinadab the second, and Shammah the third.
23As he was talking with them, the champion stepped out from the Philistine ranks—Goliath the Philistine from Gath—and shouted his usual challenge, and David heard it.