1 Samuel 8:2

Joel. The names of Joel, “Jehovah is God,” and Abiah, “Jehovah is my father,” are indicative of Samuel’s continued delight in serving God, in spite of nationwide idolatry. The statement in 1 Chron. 6:28 naming “Vashni” as Samuel’s first-born should read, “And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn, and the second, even Abiah.” Joel’s name is missing, but the text states plainly that there were two children and that the second was Abiah. The RSV supplies the name Joel before the word “first-born,” in harmony with v. 33, and gives the Hebrew expression washeni as “the second.” The plan of appointing lieutenants to administer certain districts under the authority of the chief judge was also followed by Jair, long before the days of Samuel (Judges 10:4).