The Hebrew name Adnah (H133) appears twice in the Old Testament — as a warrior of Manasseh who defected to David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:20) and as a commander under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:14). It may derive from a root meaning "rest," "pleasure," or "delight."
The name suggests contentment and settled peace — a fitting name for men of military leadership who brought stability.
The men named Adnah represent different dimensions of biblical leadership. The first Adnah (1 Chronicles 12) defected to David before he became king — an act of faith-based loyalty to God's anointed before his coronation. The second Adnah (2 Chronicles 17) commanded 300,000 soldiers under Jehoshaphat's reforms.
Together they illustrate that true adnah — rest and pleasure — is found in alignment with God's purposes. Both men found their place by joining the cause of the righteous king, anticipating how believers find ultimate rest by joining Christ's kingdom.