### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'Ăbîyâm**, represented by `{{H38}}`, is defined as "from אָב and יָם; father of (the) sea (i.e. seaman); Abijam (or Abijah), a king of Judah; Abijam." The term connects directly to `{{H1}}` for 'father'. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively referring to a king of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H38}}` consistently refers to a specific historical figure: a king of Judah. He is identified as the son of Rehoboam, who "slept with his fathers" and was "buried with his fathers" in the city of David, and `{{H38}}` then "reigned in his stead" [[1 Kings 14:31]]. Later, `{{H38}}` himself "slept with his fathers" and was "buried" in the city of David, with his son Asa reigning in his place [[1 Kings 15:8]]. The account of `{{H38}}`'s actions, including a war "between Abijam and Jeroboam," is noted as being "written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" [[1 Kings 15:7]]. His reign over Judah began "in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam" [[1 Kings 15:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context for the narrative surrounding `{{H38}}`:
* `{{H1}}` **'âb** (father): This primitive word signifies a "father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application." It highlights the familial lineage of `{{H38}}` as a "son" and being laid to rest with his "fathers" ([[1 Kings 14:31]], [[1 Kings 15:8]]).
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): Defined as "a son (as a builder of the family name)," this term is crucial for establishing the royal succession, as `{{H38}}` is described as Rehoboam's "son" and Asa's "son" ([[1 Kings 14:31]], [[1 Kings 15:8]]).
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This root means "to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty." It directly describes `{{H38}}`'s role as a ruler who "reigned" ([[1 Kings 14:31]], [[1 Kings 15:1]], [[1 Kings 15:8]]).
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): Derived from `{{H4427}}`, this word simply means "a king." It designates `{{H38}}` as a "king of Judah" ([[1 Kings 15:1]], [[1 Kings 15:7]]) and is used in the title "kings of Judah" referring to historical records [[1 Kings 15:7]].
* `{{H6912}}` **qâbar** (to inter): This primitive root means "to inter" or "bury." It marks the end of `{{H38}}`'s earthly reign, as he was "buried" in the city of David ([[1 Kings 14:31]], [[1 Kings 15:8]]).
* `{{H7901}}` **shâkab** (to lie down): Meaning "to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)," this term is used euphemistically to describe the death of `{{H38}}` and his predecessor: "Abijam slept with his fathers" ([[1 Kings 14:31]], [[1 Kings 15:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H38}}` primarily contribute to the biblical themes of royal succession and the historical record of the kings of Judah.
* **Dynastic Continuity:** The repeated pattern of a king "sleeping with his fathers" and being "buried" as his "son reigned in his stead" ([[1 Kings 14:31]], [[1 Kings 15:8]]) underscores the divinely ordained, albeit often flawed, continuity of the Davidic line through the Judahite kings.
* **Mortal Authority:** The description of a king's death using the phrase "slept with his fathers" ([[1 Kings 14:31]], [[1 Kings 15:8]]) highlights the transient nature of human authority and the ultimate end of all earthly reigns.
* **Historical Documentation:** The specific reference to "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" [[1 Kings 15:7]] emphasizes the biblical writers' reliance on and validation of historical records to recount the reigns and events of the monarchy.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H38}}` signifies Abijam, a king of Judah, whose brief biblical appearances consistently detail his place in the royal lineage, his reign, and his eventual death and burial. The associated terms illuminate the biblical understanding of kingship, succession, and the careful historical accounting found within scripture. While referring to a specific individual, the usage of `{{H38}}` and its related words collectively paint a picture of the mechanics of ancient Near Eastern monarchy within the biblical narrative.
TRV