### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʻÔbadyâh**, represented by `{{H5662}}`, literally means **serving Jah**. It appears **20 times** across **19 unique verses** and is the name given to thirteen different Israelites in the scriptures. The name itself is a declaration of allegiance and service to God, reflecting the character or calling of the individuals who bore it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the name `{{H5662}}` is associated with several key figures in different roles. The most prominent is **Obadiah**, the governor of King Ahab's house, who secretly remained faithful to God during a time of great apostasy [[1 Kings 18:3]]. Despite serving a wicked king, he demonstrated his reverence by hiding one hundred of the LORD's prophets from Jezebel [[1 Kings 18:4]]. The name also belongs to the prophet who received a vision from the Lord concerning Edom [[Obadiah 1:1]]. Other individuals named **Obadiah** served as a prince teaching in Judah [[2 Chronicles 17:7]], a Levite overseer for the temple work [[2 Chronicles 34:12]], and a porter at the temple gates [[Nehemiah 12:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the roles and character of the men named **ʻÔbadyâh**:
* `{{H3373}}` **yârêʼ** (fearing; morally, reverent): This word describes the character of Ahab's steward, who **feared** the LORD [[1 Kings 18:3]]. It signifies a deep, moral reverence for God.
* `{{H3966}}` **mᵉʼôd** (vehemently; as an intensive or superlative): Used as an intensive, this word emphasizes the extent of Obadiah's reverence, stating he feared the LORD **greatly** [[1 Kings 18:3]].
* `{{H5329}}` **nâtsach** (to be eminent; oversee(-r)): One Obadiah, a Levite, is identified by this role as an **overseer** of the men working on the house of the LORD [[2 Chronicles 34:12]].
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (a janitor; doorkeeper, porter): This term defines the Levitical office held by another **Obadiah**, who served as one of the **porters** keeping the ward at the gates [[Nehemiah 12:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5662}}` is embodied in its meaning, "serving Jah."
* **Faithful Service in Corrupt Environments:** The story of Obadiah, governor of Ahab's house, serves as a powerful example of maintaining piety and actively serving God's purposes even while in a position of high authority within a hostile and ungodly administration [[1 Kings 18:4]].
* **Diversity of Service:** The application of the name to a prophet, a royal prince, temple overseers, and porters demonstrates that serving God is not confined to a single office but is expressed through a variety of roles and responsibilities within the community of faith ([[Obadiah 1:1]], [[2 Chronicles 17:7]], [[2 Chronicles 34:12]]).
* **A Bearer of God's Word:** As the name of a prophet, **Obadiah** is linked to the delivery of divine messages, including visions of judgment against nations that oppose God's people [[Obadiah 1:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5662}}` is more than a simple proper name; it is a statement of identity and purpose. Through the various Israelites who carried this name—from the high-ranking official who **feared** God **greatly** to the humble temple **porter**—the scriptures illustrate that "serving Jah" is a calling that can be fulfilled in any station of life. The name **ʻÔbadyâh** stands as a testament to faithfulness, courage, and service to God, often in the face of great adversity.
TRV