1 Kings 15:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Three {H7969} 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 three years in Yerushalayim; his mother's name was Ma'akhah the daughter of Avishalom.

Berean Standard Bible

and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 15:2 introduces Abijam, king of Judah, by stating the duration of his reign as three years in Jerusalem and identifying his mother as Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. This concise verse provides essential genealogical and chronological data, setting the stage for Abijam’s brief and largely unrighteous rule, while also highlighting the significant role of the queen mother and linking the Davidic lineage to a controversial figure from its past.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the summary of Rehoboam's reign and precedes the account of Abijam's (also known as Abijah in [2 Chronicles 13:1](/2_chronicles/13-1 "2 Chronicles 13:1 - Abijah's Reign")) actions as king. The Books of Kings typically introduce each new monarch of Judah and Israel with a formulaic structure, including their regnal years, the name of their mother (for Judahite kings), and their assessment in the eyes of the Lord. This verse fulfills that introductory pattern, providing the necessary details for the reader to place Abijam within the ongoing narrative of the divided monarchy. It serves as a brief preamble to his more detailed, albeit short, reign described in the subsequent verses of [1 Kings 15](/1_kings/15 "1 Kings 15 - Abijam and Asa's Reigns") and extensively in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's War with Jeroboam").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abijam ruled the Southern Kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, after the schism of the united monarchy under his grandfather Solomon. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam, was a constant rival. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, particularly in Judah, the "queen mother" (Hebrew: *gevirah*) held a position of considerable influence and prestige, often acting as a co-regent or advisor. Her identity was therefore crucial for establishing the king's legitimacy and providing insight into his family's standing. The mention of "Abishalom" as Maachah's father is widely understood to refer to Absalom, King David's rebellious son ([2 Samuel 15:1](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom's Rebellion")). While [2 Samuel 14:27](/2_samuel/14-27 "2 Samuel 14:27 - Absalom's Children") states Absalom had one daughter named Tamar, "daughter" in Hebrew can also mean granddaughter or descendant, suggesting Maachah was Absalom's granddaughter, thus connecting Abijam to a turbulent and morally compromised branch of the Davidic lineage.

* **Key Themes:** The verse subtly introduces several key themes prevalent throughout the Books of Kings. Firstly, **Royal Succession and Genealogy** is paramount, emphasizing the meticulous record-keeping of the Davidic dynasty, even for kings whose reigns were brief or unrighteous. This underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, promising an enduring lineage on the throne ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Secondly, the **Brevity of Earthly Power** is highlighted by Abijam's short three-year reign, serving as a reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly authority and life itself in contrast to God's eternal kingdom. Thirdly, the **Influence of Royal Women** is underscored by Maachah's prominent mention as the queen mother, a position of significant power. Her influence is further detailed later in the narrative, as she was removed from her position by her grandson Asa due to her idolatry ([1 Kings 15:13](/1_kings/15-13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Maachah's Removal as Queen Mother")), illustrating the potential for both positive and negative impact from those in positions of authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maachah (Hebrew, מַעֲכָה, _Ma'akhah_):** This name signifies the mother of Abijam and Rehoboam's wife. Her prominence here, as the *gevirah* or queen mother, indicates her significant status and influence within the royal court of Judah. Unlike the kings of Israel, the kings of Judah consistently have their mother's name recorded, emphasizing the importance of the Davidic lineage and the role of the queen mother in the stability and religious direction of the kingdom. Her later actions, leading to her removal by Asa, underline her powerful but ultimately negative influence.
* **Abishalom (Hebrew, אֲבִישָׁלֹום, _'Avishalom_):** This is a variant spelling of Absalom (אַבְשָׁלוֹם, _'Avshalom_), meaning "father of peace." This connection is crucial, identifying Maachah as a descendant of David's rebellious son, Absalom. The slight variation in spelling is a common feature in Hebrew transliteration and does not denote a different individual in this context. This lineage subtly introduces a note of past rebellion and potential instability within the Davidic line, even generations later.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, _Yerushalayim_):** The capital city of Judah, Jerusalem, is consistently mentioned as the seat of the Davidic kings. Its mention here confirms Abijam's legitimate rule over the Southern Kingdom. More than just a geographical location, Jerusalem was the City of David, the site of the Temple, and the spiritual heart of the kingdom, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and the enduring promise of the Davidic covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Three years reigned he in Jerusalem.":** This clause establishes the brevity of Abijam's reign. A three-year tenure is notably short compared to many other kings in Judah and Israel, often signaling a less significant or less righteous rule in the biblical narrative, though [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's War with Jeroboam") provides more detail about his war against Jeroboam. The specific mention of "in Jerusalem" confirms his legitimate rule over the kingdom of Judah, distinguishing him from the kings of the Northern Kingdom who ruled from other cities. It also underscores the continuity of the Davidic dynasty in the city chosen by God.
* **"And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.":** This clause provides crucial genealogical information and highlights the importance of the queen mother. The naming of the king's mother is a consistent feature for Judahite kings in Kings, emphasizing the maternal line's role in the Davidic succession. Maachah's identity as the "daughter of Abishalom" (Absalom) links Abijam directly to a controversial and rebellious figure from David's own family, suggesting a potential undercurrent of moral compromise or spiritual deviation within the royal household, which indeed manifests later in Maachah's idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey information efficiently and subtly. **Conciseness** is evident in the brief, formulaic introduction of Abijam, which quickly establishes his reign's duration and key lineage details without extensive elaboration, typical of the Books of Kings when introducing monarchs. This brevity also implicitly suggests a reign that was not particularly noteworthy for its righteousness or long-term impact. The use of a **Genealogical Marker** by explicitly naming the king's mother and her father serves to firmly place Abijam within the Davidic lineage, fulfilling the narrative's consistent focus on the succession of David's throne. This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the mention of Maachah's lineage (through Absalom) and her later actions (idolatry and removal by Asa in [1 Kings 15:13](/1_kings/15-13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Maachah's Removal")) subtly hint at the spiritual struggles and moral compromises that would plague the Davidic line, even as God faithfully preserved it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is rich with theological implications, connecting Abijam's brief reign to the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and human fallibility. Despite the brevity of Abijam's rule and the problematic lineage through Maachah, God maintains the Davidic line in Jerusalem, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when the human instruments are flawed. The mention of Maachah, the queen mother, and her connection to Absalom, reminds us that sin's consequences can ripple through generations, influencing even those in positions of power. Yet, God's sovereign plan of salvation through the Davidic dynasty continues to unfold, illustrating that His purposes prevail despite the imperfections and rebellions of humanity. The transient nature of Abijam's reign also serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting character of all earthly power and achievements, contrasting sharply with the eternal kingdom of God.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [2 Chronicles 13:1](/2_chronicles/13-1 "2 Chronicles 13:1-22 - Abijah's Reign and War")
* [1 Kings 15:13](/1_kings/15-13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Maachah's Idolatry and Removal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abijam's short reign and his mother's controversial lineage offer profound insights for contemporary believers. His three years on the throne underscore the transient nature of earthly power and success. We are reminded that true significance is not found in the duration of our influence or the prominence of our family name, but in our faithfulness to God. Despite the complexities and imperfections within the Davidic line, God remained faithful to His covenant, ensuring the lineage continued. This should encourage us that God's plans are not thwarted by human failings, but rather, His sovereignty works through and often despite them. Furthermore, the mention of Maachah's lineage and her later negative influence serves as a cautionary tale about the ripple effect of family heritage and the critical importance of personal righteousness, regardless of our background. We are called to break cycles of sin and choose to follow God wholeheartedly, recognizing that our choices impact not only ourselves but potentially future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abijam's brief reign challenge our perception of earthly power and success, and what does it teach us about where true significance lies?**
* **What can we learn about God's faithfulness to His promises, even when human instruments, like the kings of Judah, are flawed and imperfect?**
* **In what ways might our family heritage, both positive and negative, influence our lives, and how does personal responsibility intersect with this influence in our walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Who was Abijam and why is his reign so short?**

Answer: Abijam was the second king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, succeeding his father Rehoboam. His reign lasted only three years, which is indeed quite short compared to many other kings. While [1 Kings 15](/1_kings/15 "1 Kings 15 - Abijam and Asa's Reigns") provides a brief, negative assessment of his rule, the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's War with Jeroboam") offers a more detailed, albeit still brief, look at his significant victory against Jeroboam, the king of Israel. The brevity of his reign, combined with the negative assessment in Kings, often suggests a king who did not fully follow the Lord, fitting the pattern of judgment and short reigns for unrighteous kings in biblical narrative.

**Why is his mother Maachah's lineage so important?**

Answer: The mention of Maachah, the queen mother, is significant for several reasons. In the kingdom of Judah, the queen mother (the *gevirah*) held a powerful and influential position, often acting as a key advisor to the king. Her identity was therefore crucial. Her father, "Abishalom," is understood to be Absalom, King David's rebellious son ([2 Samuel 15:1](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom's Rebellion")). This lineage connects Abijam directly to a tumultuous and morally compromised branch of the Davidic family. This detail subtly highlights that even within the divinely chosen Davidic line, there were ongoing consequences of sin and rebellion. Furthermore, Maachah's influence is later shown to be negative, as she was removed from her position by her grandson Asa due to her idolatry ([1 Kings 15:13](/1_kings/15-13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Maachah's Removal as Queen Mother")), underscoring the spiritual challenges within the royal household.

**Is "Abishalom" the same person as "Absalom"?**

Answer: Yes, "Abishalom" (אֲבִישָׁלֹום) is generally considered a variant spelling of "Absalom" (אַבְשָׁלוֹם). Such variations in spelling are common in Hebrew texts and do not indicate a different individual in this context. This identification firmly establishes Maachah as a direct descendant of King David's rebellious son, Absalom, thus linking Abijam to this notable figure from the earlier history of the Davidic dynasty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane details of Abijam's short reign and his mother's lineage in [1 Kings 15:2](/1_kings/15-2 "1 Kings 15:2 - Abijam's Reign and Lineage") find their ultimate significance and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of the Davidic lineage, despite its many flaws, brief reigns, and moral compromises—such as the connection to Absalom through Maachah—underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This covenant promised an eternal king from David's line, a promise that earthly kings like Abijam could never fully embody or sustain. Jesus, as the true Son of David, is the perfect and eternal King, whose genealogy, though tracing through flawed human lines ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), culminates in one who is without sin. Unlike Abijam's fleeting three-year rule, Jesus' reign is everlasting, His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and it will ultimately encompass all things ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's")). Thus, Abijam's brief and imperfect tenure serves as a faint shadow, highlighting the glorious and enduring reality of Christ's perfect and eternal kingship, the true "father of peace" who brings ultimate Shalom.

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

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 11:22

And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, [to be] ruler among his brethren: for [he thought] to make him king.