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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11 verses 13–23
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I. How Rehoboam was strengthened by the accession of the priests and Levites, and all the devout and pious Israelites, to him, even all that were true to their God and their religion.
1.Jeroboam cast them off, that is, he set up such a way of worship as he knew they could not in conscience comply with, which obliged them to withdraw from his altar, and at the same time he would not allow them to go up to Jerusalem to worship at the altar there; so that he totally cast them off from executing the priest's office, Ch2 11:14. And very willing he was that they should turn themselves out of their places, that room might be made for those mean and scandalous persons whom he ordained priests for the high places, Ch2 11:15. Compare Kg1 12:31. No marvel if he that cast off God cast off his ministers; they were not for his purpose, would not do whatever he might bid them do, would not serve his gods, nor worship the golden image which he had set up.
2.They thereupon left their suburbs and possessions, Ch2 11:14. Out of the lot of each tribe the Levites had cities allowed them, where they were comfortable provided for and had opportunity of doing much good. But now they were driven out of all their cities except those in Judah and Benjamin. One would think their maintenance well settled, and yet they lost it. It was a comfort to them that the law so often reminded them that the Lord was their inheritance, and so they should find him when they were turned out of their house and possessions. But why did they leave their possessions? (1.) Because they saw they could do no good among their neighbours, in whom (now that Jeroboam set up his calves) the old proneness to idolatry revived. (2.) Because they themselves would be in continual temptation to some base compliances, and in danger of being drawn insensibly to that which was evil. If we pray, in sincerity, not to be led into temptation, we shall get and keep as far as we can out of the way of it. (3.) Because, if they retained their integrity, they had reason to expect persecution from Jeroboam and his sons. The priests they made for the devils would not let the Lord's priests be long among them. No secular advantages whatsoever should draw us thither, or detain us there, where we are in danger of making shipwreck of faith and a good conscience.
3.They came to Judah and Jerusalem (Ch2 11:14) and presented themselves to Rehoboam, Ch2 11:13, margin. Where should God's priests and Levites be, but where his altar was? Thither they came because it was their business to attend at the times appointed. (1.) It was a mercy to them that they had a place of refuge to flee to, and that when Jeroboam cast them off there were those so near that would entertain them, and bid them welcome, and they were not forced into the lands of the heathen. (2.) It was an evidence that they loved their work better than their maintenance, in that they left their suburbs and possessions in the country (where they might have lived at ease upon their own), because they were restrained from serving God there, and cast themselves upon God's providence and the charity of their brethren in coming to a place where they might have the free enjoyment of God's ordinances, according to his institution. Poverty in the way of duty is to be chosen rather than plenty in the way of sin. Better live upon alms, or die in a prison, with a good conscience, than roll in wealth and pleasure with a prostituted one. (3.) It was the wisdom and praise of Rehoboam and his people that they bade them welcome, though they crowded themselves perhaps to make room for them. Conscientious refugees will bring a blessing along with them to the countries that entertain them, as they leave a curse behind them with those that expel them. Open the gates, that the righteous nation, which keepeth truth, may enter in; it will be good policy. See Isa 26:1, Isa 26:2.
4.When the priests and Levites came to Jerusalem all the devout pious Israelites of every tribe followed them. Such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, that made conscience of their duty to God and were sincere and resolute in it, left the inheritance of their fathers and went and took houses in Jerusalem, that they might have free access to the altar of God and be out of the temptation to worship the calves, Ch2 11:16. Note, (1.) That is best for us which is best for our souls; and, in all our choices, advantages for religion must take place of all outward conveniences. (2.) Where God's faithful priests are his faithful people should be. If Jeroboam cast off God's ministers, every true-born Israelite will think himself obliged to own them and stand by them. Forsake not the Levite, the out-cast Levite, as long as thou livest. When the ark removes do you remove and go after it, Jos 3:3.
5.They strengthened the kingdom of Judah (Ch2 11:17), not only by the addition of so many persons to it, who, it is likely, brought what they could of their effects with them, but by their piety and their prayers they procured a blessing upon the kingdom which was a sanctuary to them. See Zac 12:5. It is the interest of a nation to protect and encourage religion and religious people, and adds more than any thing to its strength. They made him and his people strong three years; for so long they walked in the way of David and Solomon, their good way. But when they forsook that, and so threw themselves out of God's favour and protection, the best friends they had could no longer help to strengthen them. We retain our strength while we cleave to God and our duty, and no longer.
II. How Rehoboam was weakened by indulging himself in his pleasures. He desired many wives, as his father did (Ch2 11:23), yet, 1. In this he was more wise than his father, that he does not appear to have married strange wives. The wives mentioned here were not only daughters of Israel, but of the family of David; one was a descendant from Eliab, David's brother (Ch2 11:18), another from Absalom, probably that Absalom who was David's son (Ch2 11:20), another from Jerimoth, David's son. 2. In this he was more happy than his father, that he had many sons and daughters; whereas we read not of more than one son that his father had. One can scarcely imagine that he had no more; but, if he had, they were not worth mentioning; whereas several of Rehoboam's sons are here named (Ch2 11:19, Ch2 11:20) as men of note, and such active men that he thought it his wisdom to disperse them throughout the countries of Judah and Benjamin (Ch2 11:23), either, (1.) That they might not be rivals with his son Abijah, whom he designed for his successor, or rather, (2.) Because he could repose a confidence in them for the preserving of the public peace and safety, could trust them with fenced cities, which he took care to have well victualled, that they might stand him in stead in case of an invasion. After-wisdom is better than none at all; nay, they say, "Wit is never good till it is bought;" though he was dearly bought with the loss of a kingdom.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 11:20 meticulously details a significant aspect of King Rehoboam's domestic and dynastic life, specifically recording his marriage to Maachah, identified as the daughter of Absalom. This verse further lists the four children born to them—Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith—with Abijah holding particular importance as he is later designated as Rehoboam's chosen heir, thereby emphasizing the continuity and stability of the Davidic royal line in Judah.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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 profound 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, revealing His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan for humanity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry genealogical entry invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's meticulous care and unwavering faithfulness in history. Just as God painstakingly preserved the lineage of David, ensuring the continuity of the royal line despite human sin, political upheaval, and personal failings, 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, however small or seemingly insignificant, in God's larger, unfolding story. Our lives, with all their complexities, relationships, and even their imperfections, are not random but are intricately woven into His sovereign plan. This verse encourages us to trust in God's overarching purposes, even when circumstances seem chaotic, uncertain, or utterly mundane. It also challenges us to consider our own legacy—not just in terms of physical descendants, but more importantly, in the spiritual heritage we cultivate and pass on, living lives that honor God and contribute to His kingdom, knowing that He faithfully works through ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary will.
Questions for Reflection
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). 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). Third, while Absalom was known for his rebellion against his father (as recounted in 2 Samuel 15-18), 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, working even through unexpected connections.
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). 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, the true Son of David.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 11:20 is a historical and genealogical record from the Old Testament, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the unbroken lineage that ultimately leads to Jesus Christ, the promised 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 eternal covenant with King David, promising an eternal dynasty and a perpetual throne (as seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Every name in these genealogies, including Maachah, Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith, represents a vital link in the divinely preserved chain that culminates in the miraculous birth of Jesus. The New Testament genealogies in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 meticulously trace this very lineage, confirming Jesus as the rightful heir to David's throne, the "Son of David" (as proclaimed in Matthew 9:27 and Romans 1:3). Thus, this seemingly minor verse is a powerful testament to God's sovereign plan unfolding through history, ensuring that the promised King, who would establish an eternal kingdom and provide ultimate salvation from sin, would indeed come from the very house of David, fulfilling every ancient prophecy and bringing God's redemptive purposes to their glorious climax.