2 Chronicles 11:20

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

And after {H310} her he took {H3947} Maachah {H4601} the daughter {H1323} of Absalom {H53}; which bare {H3205} him Abijah {H29}, and Attai {H6262}, and Ziza {H2124}, and Shelomith {H8019}.

After her, he married Ma'akhah the daughter of Avshalom; she became the mother of Aviyah, 'Atai, Ziza and Shlomit.

After her, he married Maacah daughter of Absalom, and she bore to him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:20 continues the detailed account of King Rehoboam's family life in Judah, focusing on one of his key wives and the children she bore him. Following the division of the kingdom, Rehoboam solidified his reign by fortifying cities and expanding his royal household, as described in the preceding verses.

Context

This verse is situated within a section (2 Chronicles 11:18-23) that meticulously details King Rehoboam's numerous wives and concubines, and the many children he fathered. After the secession of the ten northern tribes, Rehoboam focused on strengthening the southern kingdom of Judah. His large family was a common feature of ancient monarchies, often serving to secure alliances and ensure a clear line of succession. This specific verse highlights Maachah, identifying her lineage and listing her four children, with Abijah being particularly significant as his successor.

Key Themes

  • Royal Lineage and Succession: The primary importance of this verse lies in its contribution to the genealogy of the Davidic line. By naming Maachah's children, particularly Abijah, the text sets the stage for the next king of Judah. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the biblical emphasis on God's covenant with David and the continuity of the royal succession.
  • Polygamy in Ancient Monarchy: Rehoboam's extensive family, including his 18 wives and 60 concubines mentioned in the broader context (2 Chronicles 11:21), reflects a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings. While not God's original design for marriage, it was often employed for political alliances, demonstrating wealth, and producing numerous heirs to stabilize the dynastic future.
  • Historical Detail and Genealogy: The mention of Maachah as "the daughter of Absalom" is a notable historical detail. Absalom was King David's rebellious son (2 Samuel 15:1), making Maachah Rehoboam's niece or granddaughter (depending on interpretation of "daughter" here, often meaning descendant). This connection highlights the interweaving of prominent families, even those with complicated histories, within the royal lineage.

Significance & Application

While seemingly a simple genealogical entry, 2 Chronicles 11:20 holds significant meaning. It precisely establishes the royal succession for Judah, identifying Abijah as the heir apparent, who would indeed become king after Rehoboam. This verse, like many genealogical records in Scripture, assures readers of the Bible's historical accuracy and its careful documentation of God's unfolding plan through human families and lineages. It reminds us that God works through real people, in complex societal structures, to achieve His divine purposes, ultimately guiding the lineage that would lead to the Messiah.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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 15:1

    ¶ Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.

  • 1 Kings 15:2

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

  • 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.)

  • 2 Chronicles 12:16

    And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.

  • Matthew 1:7

    And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
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