Obed, Father of Azariah
Obed was a man of the tribe of Judah whose son, Azariah, served as a military commander and key conspirator in the successful revolt against the usurper Queen Athaliah.
Obed is a figure mentioned within the historical records of the Kingdom of Judah during the mid-ninth century BC. His identity in the biblical narrative is primarily defined through his son, Azariah, who emerged as a pivotal military leader during a period of intense political and religious crisis in Jerusalem. Obed lived during the Divided Monarchy, an era characterized by the split between the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
Although Obed does not personally appear in the action of the text, his inclusion in the genealogical record of 2 Chronicles 23:1 serves to authenticate the status of his son. As the father of one of the "commanders of hundreds," Obed would have belonged to the social or military aristocracy of Judah. His lineage provided the necessary credentials for his son to enter into a sacred covenant with the High Priest Jehoiada to restore the Davidic line to the throne.
Background and Family
Obed lived during the turbulent era of the Divided Monarchy in the 9th century BC. While the biblical text does not provide a comprehensive genealogy for this specific Obed, his presence in the records of Judah suggests he was a man of significant standing. The primary mention of Obed occurs in the context of the political upheaval following the death of King Ahaziah.
Obed’s son, Azariah, is identified as one of five "commanders of hundreds" (centurions) who were instrumental in the coup against Queen Athaliah. This military rank suggests that Obed’s household held a position of influence within the Judean army or the tribal leadership of Judah.
Major Life Events
The biblical record does not preserve the specific deeds of Obed himself, focusing instead on the actions of his son in the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign (c. 835 BC). During this time, the High Priest Jehoiada took courage and gathered the military leaders to the Temple in Jerusalem. Obed’s son, Azariah, was among those who "strengthened himself" and entered into a formal covenant to protect the young heir, Joash.
"Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri." (2 Chronicles 23:1)
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Obed’s most significant relationship is his fatherhood of Azariah. This Azariah is distinct from others of the same name mentioned in the same verse (such as Azariah son of Jeroham). By specifying that this particular Azariah was the "son of Obed," the Chronicler ensures there is no ambiguity regarding which military families were loyal to the Davidic cause. Obed’s family was aligned with the High Priest Jehoiada and the legitimate priesthood in their efforts to overthrow the Baal-worshipping Queen Athaliah.
Spiritual Significance
Though Obed is a minor figure in terms of narrative space, he represents the faithful remnants of Judah who maintained their identity during the apostasy of the Omride influence. His significance lies in the legacy of his son, whose courage facilitated the restoration of the Temple worship and the survival of the messianic line of David. The mention of Obed reinforces the importance of heritage and familial loyalty in the survival of the covenant people during the Divided Monarchy.
Spiritual Significance
Obed’s significance is found in his contribution to the continuity of the Davidic line through his son, Azariah. By raising a son who would risk his life to restore the rightful king to the throne, Obed is linked to one of the most critical turning points in Judah's history—the transition from the illicit reign of Athaliah to the reforms of King Joash. His name serves as a marker of legitimacy for a military leader who prioritized the covenant over the prevailing political powers of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Obed in 2 Chronicles 23?
He was the father of Azariah, one of the five commanders of hundreds who helped the High Priest Jehoiada overthrow Queen Athaliah and install Joash as king.
What tribe did Obed belong to?
While not explicitly stated in 2 Chronicles 23:1, he was a member of the Kingdom of Judah and was likely from the tribe of Judah or Benjamin, given his son's role in the Jerusalem-based military.
How many times is this specific Obed mentioned in the Bible?
This specific Obed is mentioned only once, in 2 Chronicles 23:1.
What is the meaning of the name Obed?
The name Obed (עוֹבֵד) in Hebrew means 'servant' or 'worshiper'.
Did Obed personally participate in the revolt against Athaliah?
The Bible does not record Obed's personal participation; it identifies his son, Azariah, as the active participant in the covenant and the subsequent coup.
Connected Figures
Azariah son of Obed
Son
Jehoiada
Covenant Leader and High Priest
Joash
King (whose restoration his son facilitated)
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Chronicles1
Family & Relationships
Child
2 Chronicles 23:1
Others Named Obed
Obed, Mighty Man of David1 Chronicles 11:47
A valiant warrior listed among King David’s elite military guard, noted for his service during the transition and establishment of the Divided Monarchy's foundations.
Obed, Descendant of Jarha1 Chronicles 2:37
A member of the tribe of Judah during the Divided Monarchy, Obed was the son of Ephlal and a link in the genealogical line of the Sheshanite clan.
Obed, Son of Boaz and RuthRuth 4:17
Obed was the son of Boaz and Ruth and the grandfather of King David, serving as a vital link in the Davidic line and the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
Obed, Son of Shemaiah1 Chronicles 26:7
Obed was a Levite gatekeeper of the Divided Monarchy period, noted for his capability and service within the Korahite division of the temple guard.