Achbor

Biblical Record

Achbor appears in 2 Kings 22 as the son of Michaiah. During the reign of King Josiah, a book of the law was found while the temple was being repaired. When Shaphan the scribe read the book before the king, the king tore his clothes and sent officials to inquire of the LORD. Those sent were Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah, a servant of the king (an official who attended the king closely) (2 Kings 22:12). They went to the prophetess Huldah, who lived in the Second Quarter of Jerusalem, and heard the word of the LORD from her (2 Kings 22:14). They then reported her message to the king.

In the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 34:20, "Abdon the son of Micah" appears in Achbor's place. Scholars generally regard him as the same person as Achbor and understand the difference as a variant form of the name.

The book of Jeremiah mentions "Elnathan the son of Achbor" twice. King Jehoiakim sent Elnathan to Egypt to bring back the prophet Urijah (Jeremiah 26:22). Elnathan is also among the princes (high officials) who heard the words of Jeremiah's scroll as Baruch read them (Jeremiah 36:12). Elnathan's father Achbor is commonly identified with the Achbor of Josiah's time, although the text does not state this directly.

Another Person of the Same Name

The Achbor mentioned in Genesis 36:38–39 and 1 Chronicles 1:49 is a different person. He was the father of Baal-hanan, a king of Edom. Nothing is known about him beyond his name.

Significance in the Bible

Achbor is recorded as a high-ranking official who took part in the events that opened Josiah's reform, namely the discovery of the book of the law and the inquiry into God's will. His family appears again in the next generation among the princes of the royal court. He is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Discussion

Scripture says nothing further about Achbor's life or character. His name is reported to be identical to the Hebrew word for "mouse."

Interpreters differ over the role his son Elnathan played in bringing back Urijah. Some read it as a contrast with the faithfulness of his father's generation, while others see Elnathan simply as an official carrying out the king's orders. The text itself offers no direct evaluation; such a contrast is a matter of interpretation.

In the Korean Church

Achbor is rarely treated as a stand-alone subject in preaching or Sunday school. He is usually mentioned only by name, as one of the delegation sent to Huldah, in sermons on Josiah's reform or the discovery of the book of the law.