Monday, June 27, 2016

Women in the Bible – Abihail – wife of Abishur and Mother of Ahban and Molid

Women in the Bible – Abihail – wife of Abishur and Mother of Ahban and Molid

1 Chronicles 2:29 (ESV) The name of Abishur’s wife was Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid.

This is the second woman named Abihail that is found in the Bible. We know less about her than most of the women mentioned in scripture. As I stated early on, she is apparently is mentioned for a reason. I don’t think there are wasted words in the Bible.

Abihail, as we saw last time, means “father (i.e. possessor) of might.” She was married to Abishur, a wall builder. They had two sons, who most likely followed their father’s craft of wall-building.

Walls are many times considered negative things in our culture. We see them as a means of dividing, isolating, etc. However, in the time of Abihail and Abishur walls were a matter of life and death. Walls were very important. Whenever a city was established they would build walls to keep them safe from intruders.

Nothing much is said of Abihail. 1 Chronicles 2:29 contains the only reference to her in scripture. She is not known for having a miraculous angelic encounter. She did not aid a foreign army in overthrowing a city. All we know is she was married to one of the grandsons of Judah and bore two sons.

Abihail could be anyone. It is much more the norm in the life of Believers to have an un-extraordinary life. It is only within the past few decades that the “Super Christian, Everyone Was Made for Greatness” theology came into the church. I believe it has caused great harm to many, leaving them with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. This is so far removed from the teachings of Jesus. Abihail is given to us as someone who married a descendant of Judah, a distant relative of both King David and King Jesus. No fanfare. No extensive resume. Just a mom and a wife.


Somehow we can all take comfort in knowing Abihail was known by God.

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