2 Chronicles 11:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 11:20 continues the detailed account of King Rehoboam's extensive family, specifically highlighting his marriage to Maachah, identified as the daughter of Absalom. This verse meticulously records the birth of their four children—Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith—with Abijah being particularly significant as the designated heir to the throne of Judah, thereby emphasizing the continuity of the Davidic royal line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader section (2 Chronicles 11:18-23) that provides a comprehensive overview of King Rehoboam's domestic affairs and dynastic stability. Following the dramatic division of the united kingdom into Judah and Israel (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Division of the Kingdom")), Rehoboam, now king of Judah, focuses on fortifying his realm and securing his lineage. Verses 18-23 list his numerous wives and concubines, totaling eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and the twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters they bore him. Within this extensive list, Maachah is singled out for special mention, not only because of her prominent lineage as Absalom's daughter but also because her son, Abijah, is explicitly stated in the subsequent verse (2 Chronicles 11:21) to be favored by Rehoboam and appointed as chief among his brothers, establishing him as the heir apparent. This meticulous genealogical record serves to underscore the legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic dynasty in Judah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rehoboam reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah after the northern tribes seceded, a pivotal moment in Israelite history (see [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")). In the ancient Near East, the size of a king's harem and the number of his offspring were direct indicators of his wealth, power, and the stability of his kingdom. A large family ensured numerous potential heirs, reducing the risk of succession crises. Polygamy was a common practice among monarchs, often used to forge political alliances with other royal families. The mention of Maachah as "the daughter of Absalom" carries significant historical weight. While "daughter" (בַּת, *bat*) can sometimes mean "descendant," the most straightforward reading suggests she was the literal daughter of David's rebellious son, Absalom (see [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). This connection would link Rehoboam's lineage directly to a branch of the Davidic house, albeit one with a tumultuous past, further solidifying the royal bloodline.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Primarily, it highlights **Royal Lineage and Succession**, meticulously tracing the Davidic line through Rehoboam to his designated heir, Abijah. This emphasis aligns with the Chronicler's broader theological agenda of affirming God's enduring covenant with David (as seen in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David")) and the legitimacy of the kings of Judah. Secondly, the passage underscores the **Importance of Genealogy**, a recurring feature in biblical narratives, serving not merely as historical record but as a theological statement about God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through which His redemptive purposes would unfold. Finally, the details about Rehoboam's extensive family life touch upon the theme of **Polygamy and Dynastic Stability** in ancient monarchies, illustrating how kings sought to secure their power and future through numerous heirs, even if such practices deviated from God's original design for marriage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maachah (Hebrew, _Maʿăkâh'_):** This name, meaning "oppression" or "crushing," appears multiple times in the Old Testament, but here it refers to a significant royal figure. She is explicitly identified as the daughter of Absalom, making her a granddaughter of King David. Her prominence is underscored by the fact that her son, Abijah, is chosen as Rehoboam's successor, indicating her high status within the royal household and possibly her influence.
* **Absalom (Hebrew, _ʾAbšālôm'_):** Meaning "father of peace," Absalom was the third son of King David, infamous for his rebellion against his father (as detailed in [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion") and subsequent chapters). His inclusion here as Maachah's father (or ancestor) is a notable detail, linking the reigning king Rehoboam to a branch of the Davidic family that had previously brought great turmoil to the kingdom. This connection highlights the complex interweaving of family histories within the royal lineage.
* **Abijah (Hebrew, _ʾĂḇiyyâ'_):** Meaning "my father is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my father," Abijah is the most significant of the children listed. He is singled out in the subsequent verse (2 Chronicles 11:21) as Rehoboam's favorite and is explicitly named as his successor, who would indeed become the second king of Judah after the division of the kingdom (see [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - The Reign of Abijah")). His name itself carries a theological affirmation, aligning with the Chronicler's emphasis on God's sovereignty over the Davidic line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom;":** This clause indicates that Maachah was one of Rehoboam's wives, taken after a previously mentioned wife (likely Mahalath, mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:18). The precise identification of Maachah as "the daughter of Absalom" is crucial. It establishes her royal lineage, connecting her directly to the house of David through Absalom, David's son. While some scholars debate if "daughter" here means literal daughter or a more distant descendant (e.g., granddaughter, as Absalom's only known daughter was Tamar, and Maachah is elsewhere called the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah in [2 Chronicles 13:2](/2_chronicles/13-2 "2 Chronicles 13:2 - Abijah's Mother")), the Chronicler emphasizes her connection to the prominent Davidic family for dynastic purposes.
* **"which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.":** This second clause lists the four sons born to Rehoboam through Maachah. The primary significance of this list lies in the first name, Abijah. The Chronicler's meticulous naming of all four children, even the less historically prominent ones, underscores the detailed genealogical record-keeping essential for establishing legitimacy and succession within the royal family. It also highlights the fruitfulness of Rehoboam's household, contributing to the stability of the Davidic dynasty in Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 11:20, and indeed throughout this section of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. The meticulous listing of names, lineages, and offspring serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, affirming the continuity of God's covenant promises through specific human lines. The Chronicler employs **Repetition** of genealogical patterns, emphasizing the importance of succession and the divine preservation of the Davidic dynasty. The specific mention of Maachah's lineage as "daughter of Absalom" functions as a subtle form of **Intertextuality**, drawing the reader's mind back to the dramatic events of David's reign and Absalom's rebellion, yet showing how even from such a tumultuous past, God continues to work within the Davidic line. Furthermore, the naming of Abijah subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as the reader familiar with the subsequent chapters knows that Abijah will indeed ascend to the throne, making this seemingly simple genealogical entry a crucial setup for future narrative developments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 11:20, while a concise genealogical entry, is deeply significant for its contribution to the overarching biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous record of Rehoboam's lineage, particularly the identification of Abijah as the son of Maachah, a descendant of David through Absalom, underscores the divine preservation of the Davidic dynasty. Despite the kingdom's division and Rehoboam's personal failings, God's plan for a perpetual line of kings from David's house remains steadfast. This verse serves as a testament to God's sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to work through complex human relationships and historical circumstances to ensure the continuity of the promised lineage, ultimately leading to the Messiah. It highlights that even seemingly minor details in Scripture contribute to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive history.

* [2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3](/psalms/89-3 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry genealogical entry invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's meticulous care and faithfulness in history. Just as God painstakingly preserved the lineage of David, ensuring the continuity of the royal line despite human sin and political upheaval, so too does He work in the intricate details of our lives. We are reminded that every individual, every family, and every generation plays a part in God's larger story. Our lives, with all their complexities and relationships, are not random but are woven into His sovereign plan. This verse encourages us to trust in God's overarching purposes, even when circumstances seem chaotic or insignificant. It also challenges us to consider our own legacy—not just in terms of physical descendants, but in the spiritual heritage we pass on, living lives that honor God and contribute to His kingdom, knowing that He works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's emphasis on genealogy in this passage encourage your trust in God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways do you see God working through the "ordinary" or "mundane" details of your own life to accomplish His greater purposes?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are you building or contributing to, knowing that God uses generations to advance His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why is Maachah's lineage as "daughter of Absalom" significant, given Absalom's history?**

Answer: The identification of Maachah as "the daughter of Absalom" is highly significant for several reasons. First, it firmly places her within the Davidic royal family, as Absalom was King David's son (see [2 Samuel 3:3](/2_samuel/3-3 "2 Samuel 3:3 - Absalom's Birth")). This connection reinforces the legitimacy and purity of the Davidic line for Rehoboam's heir, Abijah. Second, it highlights the Chronicler's meticulous attention to genealogical detail, which is a hallmark of the book, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with David (see [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - God's Covenant with David")). Third, while Absalom was known for his rebellion against his father (as recounted in [2 Samuel 15](/2_chronicles/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")), his daughter's marriage into the reigning royal house demonstrates how even complicated or tumultuous family histories are integrated into God's sovereign plan for the lineage that would ultimately lead to the Messiah. It shows that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin or rebellion, but rather His faithfulness endures through all circumstances.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of succession in the Davidic kingdom?**

Answer: 2 Chronicles 11:20 is a crucial verse for understanding the theme of succession in the Davidic kingdom, particularly in the post-division era. By explicitly naming Abijah as the son of Maachah and Rehoboam, and then further elaborating on his favored status in the subsequent verse (2 Chronicles 11:21), the Chronicler clearly establishes the legitimate heir to the throne of Judah. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine promise to David that his house and kingdom would endure forever (see [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David")). In a time of political instability following the kingdom's division, the clear designation of an heir was vital for maintaining order and demonstrating the continuity of God's covenant. The verse thus serves as a foundational building block in the genealogical bridge that connects the Davidic kings of Judah, ensuring the unbroken line that would eventually culminate in the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 11:20 is a genealogical record from the Old Testament, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the unbroken lineage that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The meticulous detailing of Rehoboam's family, especially the identification of Abijah as the son of Maachah and the designated heir, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with King David, promising an eternal dynasty (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David")). Every name in these genealogies, including Maachah, Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith, represents a link in the divinely preserved chain that culminates in the birth of Jesus. The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") trace this very lineage, confirming Jesus as the rightful heir to David's throne, the "Son of David" (as proclaimed in [Matthew 9:27](/matthew/9-27 "Matthew 9:27 - Jesus, Son of David")). Thus, this seemingly minor verse is a testament to God's sovereign plan unfolding through history, ensuring that the promised King, who would establish an eternal kingdom and provide ultimate salvation, would indeed come from the very house of David, fulfilling every ancient prophecy.

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 15:1

¶ 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;