50. Abiud

1. Name and Meaning
• Name: Abiud (Greek: Ἀβιούδ, Abioud; derived from Hebrew)
• Meaning: “My father is majesty” or “father of glory,” possibly indicating honourable lineage or royal dignity

2. Genealogical Placement and Lineage Role
• Position: Fiftieth generation from Adam; fortieth generation after the flood in the Messianic line
• Father: Zerubbabel – post-exilic governor and restorer of temple foundations
• Son: Eliakim – continued the post-exilic Davidic line as recorded in Matthew
• Lineage Role: Early figure in the post-exilic Davidic succession; preserved the Messianic genealogy during the period of historical obscurity

3. Life Summary and Historical Setting
• No personal narrative is recorded in the Bible outside of Matthew’s genealogy (Matthew 1:13)
• Lived in the early post-exilic era, possibly during the period of Persian administration following Zerubbabel
• Part of the generational bridge between the restoration leadership (Zerubbabel) and later descendants leading to Joseph and Jesus

4. Theological and Christological Significance
• Though obscure, his presence affirms the unbroken continuity of the Davidic line after exile
• Part of the legal genealogy affirming Jesus’ rightful place as heir to David’s throne through Joseph (Matthew 1)
• Demonstrates how God preserved the royal lineage through unnamed generations in history to bring forth the Messiah

5. Legacy and Interpretive Reflections
• Represents the faithful transmission of the covenant promise through a quiet generation
• Even in the absence of recorded deeds, his name stands within the sacred lineage of Christ
• Symbolises God’s providence through generations without royal power or public acclaim
• Included solely in Matthew’s genealogy; not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture

6. Summary Insight
• Abiud stands as a silent but essential link in the royal line—his legacy is not in recorded deeds, but in carrying forward the promise that would be fulfilled in Christ.

7. Biblical References
• Matthew 1:13