### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĂbîynâdâb**, represented by `{{H41}}`, means **father of generosity** (i.e. liberal). It is the name of four Israelites and appears 12 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its presence in various narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H41}}` features in distinct roles. One prominent figure is a son `{{H1121}}` of Saul `{{H7586}}`, who was slain `{{H5221}}` by the Philistines `{{H6430}}` along with Jonathan `{{H3083}}` and Malchishua `{{H4444}}` ([[1 Samuel 31:2]], [[1 Chronicles 10:2]]). This same Abinadab is also listed in the genealogies of Saul `{{H7586}}`, born `{{H3205}}` to him after Kish `{{H7027}}` ([[1 Chronicles 8:33]], [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]). Another significant Abinadab is associated with the care of the ark `{{H727}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. After the ark was brought `{{H935}}` to the house `{{H1004}}` of Abinadab in Kirjath-Jearim `{{H7157}}` [[1 Samuel 7:1]], his son `{{H1121}}` Eleazar `{{H499}}` was sanctified `{{H6942}}` to keep `{{H8104}}` it. Later, when the ark of God `{{H430}}` was transported from his house `{{H1004}}` at Gibeah `{{H1390}}` on a new `{{H2319}}` cart `{{H5699}}`, Uzzah `{{H5798}}` and Ahio `{{H283}}`, sons `{{H1121}}` of Abinadab, were involved in driving `{{H5090}}` it ([[2 Samuel 6:3]], [[1 Chronicles 13:7]]). Additionally, Abinadab is named as one of the sons `{{H1121}}` of Jesse `{{H3448}}`, the father of David. He is identified as the second `{{H8145}}` son, following Eliab `{{H446}}` the firstborn `{{H1060}}`, and preceding Shammah `{{H8048}}` who was the third `{{H7992}}` ([[1 Samuel 17:13]], [[1 Chronicles 2:13]]). Jesse `{{H3448}}` also called `{{H7121}}` Abinadab and made him pass `{{H5674}}` before `{{H6440}}` Samuel `{{H8050}}`, though the LORD `{{H3068}}` did not choose `{{H977}}` him [[1 Samuel 16:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the contexts in which `{{H41}}` appears:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term is central to the narrative of the ark `{{H727}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` being kept in the "house of Abinadab" [[1 Samuel 7:1]].
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (son): Frequently associated with `{{H41}}`, as Abinadab himself is identified as a "son" `{{H1121}}` of both Saul `{{H7586}}` and Jesse `{{H3448}}`, and his own sons `{{H1121}}` Eleazar `{{H499}}`, Uzzah `{{H5798}}`, and Ahio `{{H283}}` are mentioned [[2 Samuel 6:3]].
* `{{H5798}}` **ʻUzzâʼ** (strength): This name is directly linked to `{{H41}}` as Uzzah, a son `{{H1121}}` of Abinadab, played a critical role in transporting the ark of God `{{H430}}` ([[2 Samuel 6:3]], [[1 Chronicles 13:7]]).
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (Jehovah, the Lord): The presence of the ark `{{H727}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` in Abinadab's house `{{H1004}}` underscores the divine connection to his lineage and home [[1 Samuel 7:1]].
### Theological Significance
The appearances of `{{H41}}` carry significant theological weight through the roles assigned to individuals bearing this name:
* **Custodianship of the Sacred:** The primary theological significance of Abinadab's house `{{H1004}}` relates to its role as the dwelling place for the ark `{{H727}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. This highlights the sacredness of God's `{{H430}}` presence and the responsibility associated with its care, as seen in the sanctification `{{H6942}}` of Eleazar `{{H499}}` to keep `{{H8104}}` it [[1 Samuel 7:1]].
* **Divine Authority and Judgment:** The events surrounding the transport of the ark `{{H727}}` from Abinadab's house `{{H1004}}`, specifically the actions of his son `{{H1121}}` Uzzah `{{H5798}}` and the subsequent divine smiting `{{H5221}}` [[2 Samuel 6:3]], serve as a powerful reminder of God's `{{H430}}` absolute authority and the severe consequences for handling sacred objects in a manner not prescribed by Him.
* **Providence in Kingship:** Abinadab's inclusion in the genealogies of both Saul `{{H7586}}` and Jesse `{{H3448}}` illustrates the broader biblical theme of divine selection `{{H977}}` and providence in establishing kingship, as Samuel `{{H8050}}` evaluated Jesse's `{{H3448}}` sons `{{H1121}}` for the next king [[1 Samuel 16:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H41}}` **ʼĂbîynâdâb** functions as more than just a name; it marks key moments in Israel's history related to the ark `{{H727}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` and the lineage of its kings. From providing a temporary dwelling for the ark `{{H727}}` to being involved in its fateful transport, and appearing in the lineage that would eventually lead to David, the various Abinadabs serve as points of contact for themes of divine presence, authority, and the unfolding of God's `{{H430}}` plan for His people.
TRV