Bible Dictionary
Abia, Course Of
The course of Abia was the eighth of the twenty-four priestly divisions assigned to serve at the altar. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, belonged to this course.
Definition
The course of Abia was the eighth of the twenty-four courses or classes into which the priests were divided. These courses served at the altar according to the established priestly arrangement.
Biblical Usage
The course of Abia is associated with Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, who belonged to it. It is identified in the biblical record as the eighth priestly course.
Historical Background
The priesthood was organized into twenty-four courses or classes for service at the altar. Abia was the eighth division in that arrangement.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
the eighth of the 24 courses or classes into which the priests were divided for serving at the altar. (1 Chronicles 24; Luke 1:5) See Abia, Abiah, Or Abijah, Abijah Or Abijam, 4.