1 Kings 15:10

KJV

And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And forty {H705} and one {H259} years {H8141} reigned {H4427} he in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Maachah {H4601}, the daughter {H1323} of Abishalom {H53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He ruled forty-one years in Yerushalayim; his [grand]mother's name was Ma'akhah the daughter of Avishalom.

Berean Standard Bible

and he reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. His grandmother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom.

American Standard Version

And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 15:10 succinctly introduces the reign of King Asa of Judah, detailing the duration of his rule and identifying his "mother" (more accurately, his influential queen grandmother), Maachah, as the daughter of Abishalom. This verse serves as a vital chronological marker and immediately highlights the significant role of the queen mother in the Judahite court, setting the stage for Asa's largely righteous reign and subsequent reforms in contrast to his immediate predecessors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse transitions the narrative from the brief, unfaithful reign of Abijam (Asa's father) to the much longer and largely righteous reign of Asa. The preceding verses in [1 Kings 15](/1_kings/15 "1 Kings 15 - Reign of Abijam and Asa") describe Abijam's idolatry and his short, tumultuous rule, which ended with his death. Verse 10, therefore, marks a new beginning for Judah under a king who, as subsequent verses reveal, would largely "do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done" ([1 Kings 15:11](/1_kings/15-11 "1 Kings 15:11 - Asa's Righteousness")). The inclusion of the queen mother's name is a consistent feature in the accounts of Judahite kings, underscoring her unique and often influential position within the royal court.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "forty and one years" signifies a remarkably long and stable reign for a monarch in the ancient Near East, particularly in the turbulent period of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Jerusalem, as the capital, remained the spiritual and political center of Judah, housing the Temple. The role of the *gebirah*, or queen mother, was exceptionally powerful in Judah, often acting as a regent or a significant advisor, holding authority second only to the king. Her identity, "Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom," is culturally significant. "Abishalom" is widely understood to be a variant of Absalom, King David's rebellious son, connecting Maachah directly to the royal Davidic lineage, which would have afforded her immense prestige and influence. This familial connection underscores the intricate web of power and lineage within the Judahite monarchy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom"). Firstly, it reinforces the **Chronological Record** of the kings of Judah and Israel, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the biblical historical account. Secondly, it highlights the **Royal Succession and Lineage** within the Davidic dynasty, a crucial element of God's enduring covenant with David, promising an eternal throne ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Asa's long reign is a testament to the stability God afforded Judah despite the spiritual failings of many of its kings. Lastly, the specific mention of Maachah underscores the **Influence of the Queen Mother**, a recurring motif in Judahite royal narratives. Her prominent role, as seen later in Asa's reforms where he removes her from her position due to idolatry ([1 Kings 15:13](/1_kings/15-13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Asa's Removal of Maachah")), demonstrates the profound impact these matriarchs could have on the spiritual and political direction of the kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forty and one years (Hebrew, _arba'im w'achat shanah'_):** This precise chronological detail indicates a long and significant reign for King Asa. In biblical narratives, extended reigns often correlate with periods of relative stability or divine favor, though not exclusively. Asa's lengthy rule provided ample time for the religious reforms described later in [1 Kings 15](/1_kings/15 "1 Kings 15 - Asa's Reign") and [2 Chronicles 14-16](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14-16 - Asa's Reign and Reforms").
* **mother (Hebrew, _'em'_):** While literally "mother," in biblical genealogies, especially royal ones, this term can broadly refer to a grandmother or even a female ancestor. This broader usage is crucial here, as Maachah is consistently identified as the mother of Abijam (Asa's father) in [1 Kings 15:2](/1_kings/15-2 "1 Kings 15:2 - Abijam's Mother") and [2 Chronicles 13:2](/2_chronicles/13-2 "2 Chronicles 13:2 - Abijah's Mother"). Therefore, Maachah was Asa's grandmother, holding the powerful position of queen mother (*gebirah*).
* **Abishalom (Hebrew, _'Abishalom'_):** This name is a variant of "Absalom," King David's rebellious son ([2 Samuel 18:33](/2_samuel/18-33 "2 Samuel 18:33 - David Mourns Absalom")). This connection implies that Maachah was a granddaughter of David through Absalom, giving her a direct and prestigious link to the royal house of David, which would have significantly enhanced her status and influence within the court.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem.":** This clause establishes the duration and location of Asa's rule. The "forty and one years" highlights the longevity of his reign, which was one of the longest among the kings of Judah. "In Jerusalem" emphasizes the continuity of the Davidic dynasty's rule from the divinely chosen capital, the city where the Temple stood and where God's presence was uniquely manifested.
* **"And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.":** This clause identifies the queen mother, Maachah, and her lineage. Her identity as "mother" (grandmother) points to her significant influential role as *gebirah*. Her connection to "Abishalom" (Absalom) means she was a descendant of King David, reinforcing the royal legitimacy and prestigious heritage of Asa's lineage, while also subtly foreshadowing the potential for both spiritual fidelity and familial challenges within the Davidic line.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 15:10 is **Conciseness** in historical record-keeping. The verse efficiently provides critical information—reign length, location, and the identity of the queen mother—without elaborate detail, characteristic of the Deuteronomistic Historian's style in the Books of Kings. This brevity, however, carries significant weight, as the duration of a king's reign often serves as an implicit commentary on his stability and God's favor. Furthermore, the inclusion of the queen mother's name and lineage, particularly the enigmatic "daughter of Abishalom," functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**. It hints at the powerful influence she would exert, setting the stage for her later removal by Asa due to her idolatry, an event that underscores the ongoing spiritual struggle within the royal family and the nation. The genealogical detail also serves as **Legitimation**, confirming Asa's place within the Davidic line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 15:10, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, as a legitimate successor continues to reign in Jerusalem, despite the spiritual failings of previous kings like Abijam. Asa's long reign, introduced here, provided a period of stability and opportunity for spiritual renewal in Judah, demonstrating God's patience and His desire for His people to return to Him. The mention of Maachah, the queen mother, also highlights the pervasive influence of family and leadership on the spiritual health of a nation, reminding us that spiritual battles are often fought not just on battlefields but within the very fabric of society and its leadership. The verse subtly points to the ongoing tension between divine promise and human responsibility, setting the stage for Asa's reforms and later struggles.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [1 Kings 15:11](/1_kings/15-11 "Asa's Righteous Reign")
* [2 Chronicles 14:2](/2_chronicles/14-2 "Asa's Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly straightforward historical record offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. The longevity of Asa's reign in Jerusalem speaks to the potential for sustained, righteous leadership to bring stability and positive change to a community or nation. It challenges us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions, particularly for those in positions of influence, whether in families, churches, or broader society. The complex role of Maachah, the queen mother, reminds us of the significant, often understated, influence that family members, especially matriarchs or patriarchs, can wield. This influence can be for good, fostering spiritual growth, or for ill, leading to compromise and idolatry. This prompts us to examine the spiritual health of our own households and communities, recognizing the ripple effect of individual choices. Ultimately, Asa's story, beginning with this verse, encourages us to pursue faithfulness to God, even when surrounded by spiritual compromise, and to actively work towards removing anything that hinders true worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the longevity of a leader's reign, as seen in Asa's case, impact the spiritual and social trajectory of a community or nation?**
* **In what ways can generational influence, both positive and negative, shape an individual's or a community's spiritual life today?**
* **What does Asa's initial commitment to doing "what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (implied by the context of his long reign and subsequent actions) teach us about personal responsibility and the potential for spiritual reform, even amidst challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why is Maachah called Asa's mother when she was likely his grandmother?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "mother," _'em_ (אֵם), can be used more broadly in biblical genealogies and historical records to refer to a grandmother or even a more distant female ancestor. This is a common linguistic convention in ancient Near Eastern texts. In the specific case of Maachah, [1 Kings 15:2](/1_kings/15-2 "1 Kings 15:2 - Abijam's Mother") clearly states that Maachah was the mother of Abijam, who was Asa's father. Therefore, for Asa, Maachah would have been his paternal grandmother. Her designation as "mother" in [1 Kings 15:10](/1_kings/15-10 "1 Kings 15:10 - Asa's Reign") highlights her extremely prominent and influential role as the *gebirah*, or queen mother, a position of significant power in the Judahite court, rather than strictly defining her biological relationship to Asa.

**Who was Abishalom, and why is his connection to Maachah significant?**

Answer: "Abishalom" is widely recognized as a variant spelling of "Absalom," the third son of King David, infamous for his rebellion against his father ([2 Samuel 15:1-12](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). Therefore, Maachah, being "the daughter of Abishalom," was likely a granddaughter of King David through Absalom. This connection is highly significant because it firmly places Maachah within the prestigious royal lineage of David. Her direct link to the founding monarch of the Judahite dynasty would have bestowed upon her immense status, authority, and influence within the royal court. This high standing is crucial for understanding why Asa's later act of removing her from her position due to her idolatry ([1 Kings 15:13](/1_kings/15-13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Asa Removes Maachah")) was such a bold and decisive move, demonstrating his commitment to religious purity above familial loyalty or political expediency.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 15:10, though a simple historical record, contributes to the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan culminating in Jesus Christ. The mention of Asa's long reign in Jerusalem, and his lineage through Maachah connected to David, underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant with David—a promise that a descendant would always sit on the throne ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). While Asa, like all earthly kings, was imperfect and his reign eventually ended, he foreshadows the ultimate, perfect King. Jesus Christ is the true Son of David, the one whose kingdom is eternal and whose reign will never cease ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel's Annunciation to Mary")). The Davidic lineage, meticulously traced in the Gospels ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), confirms Jesus' rightful claim to the throne. Unlike Asa, who could only bring about temporary reforms and whose kingdom was eventually conquered, Jesus is the King who brings eternal spiritual cleansing and establishes an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace, fulfilling all the promises made to David and beyond ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - God's Son as King")). He is the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")), the one through whom God's covenant faithfulness finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:2

Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.

2 Chronicles 13:2

He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

1 Kings 15:13

And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from [being] queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt [it] by the brook Kidron.

2 Chronicles 11:20

And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.

2 Chronicles 11:21

And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)