2 Chronicles 11:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rehoboam {H7346} made {H5975} Abijah {H29} the son {H1121} of Maachah {H4601} the chief {H7218}, to be ruler {H5057} among his brethren {H251}: for he thought to make him king {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rechav'am appointed Aviyah the son of Ma'akhah chief, the leader of his brothers, because he intended to make him king.

Berean Standard Bible

Rehoboam appointed Abijah son of Maacah as chief prince among his brothers, intending to make him king.

American Standard Version

And Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son of Maacah to be chief, even the prince among his brethren; for he was minded to make him king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Rehoboam, having established his reign over Judah and expanded his family significantly, strategically elevated Abijah, the son of his favorite wife Maachah, to a position of preeminence among his many brothers. This appointment as "chief" and "ruler" clearly signaled Rehoboam's intention to designate Abijah as his chosen successor to the throne, aiming to secure the dynastic line and ensure a stable transfer of power within the southern kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative in 2 Chronicles detailing the reign of Rehoboam, following the tragic division of the united monarchy after Solomon's death. Chapters 10-12 primarily focus on Rehoboam's initial foolish decisions that led to the schism, his subsequent fortification of Judah, and his family life. [2 Chronicles 11:18-21](/2_chronicles/11-18 "2 Chronicles 11:18-21 - Rehoboam's Wives and Children") immediately precedes this verse, listing Rehoboam's numerous wives, concubines, and children, explicitly highlighting his profound affection for Maachah, the mother of Abijah. This favoritism sets the stage for Abijah's elevation, emphasizing that his appointment was not based on primogeniture but on royal prerogative and personal preference. The Chronicler often includes such details about royal families to underscore themes of dynastic continuity, divine blessing (or judgment), and the human element in leadership.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern monarchies placed immense importance on succession planning to prevent civil strife and maintain dynastic stability. Kings often had multiple wives and concubines, leading to numerous sons, which could create complex challenges for succession. While primogeniture (the right of the firstborn son to inherit) was common, kings frequently exercised their prerogative to choose a younger or more favored son, or one deemed more capable, to be their heir. This act of designating a "chief" or "ruler" among the royal princes was a formal way of signaling the chosen successor, often involving special privileges, training, and public recognition. Rehoboam's actions here reflect typical royal practices of the era, where a king's personal affections and political considerations heavily influenced the choice of heir.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles. **Dynastic Continuity** is paramount, as the Chronicler consistently emphasizes the unbroken line of Davidic kings in Judah, even after the northern kingdom's apostasy. Rehoboam's explicit intention to make Abijah king underscores the human effort to maintain this line, even as the divine covenant with David ultimately guarantees its endurance (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Another theme is **Royal Authority and Prerogative**, demonstrating the king's absolute power to choose his successor, often overriding traditional norms like primogeniture, as seen in David's choice of Solomon over Adonijah ([1 Kings 1:28-30](/1_kings/1-28 "1 Kings 1:28-30 - David Anoints Solomon")). Finally, **Favoritism and its Consequences** are subtly highlighted; Rehoboam's love for Maachah ([2 Chronicles 11:21](/2_chronicles/11-21 "2 Chronicles 11:21 - Rehoboam's Love for Maachah")) directly influences his decision, a pattern seen throughout biblical narratives where parental favoritism often leads to familial tension or unexpected outcomes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief (Hebrew, _ro'sh_):** This word (רֹאשׁ) literally means "head" or "top." In a metaphorical sense, it denotes preeminence, leadership, or the most important position. By making Abijah "the chief," Rehoboam was formally elevating him above all his other sons, designating him as the undisputed leader and first in rank among his brethren. It signifies a public and authoritative declaration of his elevated status.
* **Ruler (Hebrew, _nagid_):** The term (נָגִיד) carries the connotation of a "prince," "leader," or "appointed official." Unlike a king (מֶלֶךְ, _melek_), a _nagid_ is often one who is designated or appointed by another, implying a delegated authority or a preparatory role for future kingship. This term was notably used for Saul as the first "prince" or "ruler" over Israel ([1 Samuel 9:16](/1_samuel/9-16 "1 Samuel 9:16 - Saul Appointed Ruler")) and also for David ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - David as Ruler")). Its use here confirms that Abijah was not merely favored but formally invested with authority, groomed for the throne.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief,"**: This clause establishes the central action of the verse: King Rehoboam's deliberate and formal elevation of Abijah. The phrase "made...the chief" (וַיַּעֲמֵד לְרֹאשׁ, _wayyaʿămēḏ lero'sh_) implies that Rehoboam "caused him to stand as head" or "appointed him as chief." This was not a passive observation but an active, authoritative decree. The identification of Abijah as "the son of Maachah" is crucial, linking his elevation directly to Rehoboam's explicit favoritism towards Maachah, as noted in the preceding verse.
* **"[to be] ruler among his brethren:"**: This phrase further clarifies the nature of Abijah's elevated status. He was not just "chief" in a general sense, but specifically designated as the "ruler" (נָגִיד, _nagid_) within the royal family, among his many siblings. This positioned him as the de facto leader and heir apparent, distinguishing him from the other twenty-seven sons Rehoboam had fathered. The KJV's bracketed "to be" correctly interprets the implied purpose of his appointment.
* **"for [he thought] to make him king."**: This final clause reveals Rehoboam's explicit motivation and long-term intention. The Hebrew phrase (לְהַמְלִיכוֹ, _lehamlikho_) literally means "to make him king" or "to cause him to reign." The KJV's "he thought" accurately captures the nuance of intention or purpose. Rehoboam was not merely giving Abijah a temporary position of honor but was actively preparing him and signaling to the court and kingdom that Abijah was his chosen successor, the next in line for the Davidic throne in Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to convey the significance of Rehoboam's decision. **Emphasis** is achieved through the dual titles "chief" (_ro'sh_) and "ruler" (_nagid_), both pointing to Abijah's preeminent status and the king's clear intention. This **Repetition** of similar concepts reinforces the idea that Abijah's elevation was deliberate and significant. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Rehoboam's stated intention to "make him king" directly anticipates Abijah's actual succession to the throne, which is recounted in [2 Chronicles 13:1](/2_chronicles/13-1 "2 Chronicles 13:1 - Abijah Becomes King"). This narrative technique builds anticipation and highlights the fulfillment of human plans, albeit always within the greater framework of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a straightforward account of royal succession, subtly highlights the interplay between human planning and divine sovereignty within the Davidic covenant. Rehoboam's meticulous efforts to secure his dynasty by appointing Abijah as his chosen heir reflect a natural human desire for control and continuity. However, biblical history consistently demonstrates that while kings make their plans, it is God who ultimately establishes or removes rulers, often working through or even despite human intentions. The stability of the Davidic line in Judah was not solely dependent on Rehoboam's foresight but on God's unwavering covenant promise to David. This serves as a powerful reminder that all human authority and plans are ultimately subject to the sovereign will of the Lord.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Low")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rehoboam's strategic appointment of Abijah offers valuable insights into leadership, succession, and the nature of human planning. In any sphere of influence—family, church, business, or community—the intentional identification and preparation of future leaders is crucial for long-term stability and flourishing. While favoritism, as seen with Maachah and Abijah, can be problematic if it compromises merit or justice, the principle of mentorship and deliberate succession planning remains vital. This verse challenges us to consider our own roles in preparing the next generation of leaders, not just by hoping for the best, but by actively investing in, training, and empowering those who will carry the torch. Ultimately, it also calls us to humility, recognizing that while we may plan our ways, the Lord is the one who directs our steps and establishes the outcomes, reminding us to align our plans with His divine will and purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Rehoboam's decision reveal about the importance of succession planning in any organization or family?**
* **How does the concept of favoritism, as seen with Abijah, sometimes complicate or influence leadership decisions today?**
* **In what ways can we, like Rehoboam, actively prepare and empower future leaders in our spheres of influence?**
* **How does the tension between human planning and divine sovereignty, as implied in this verse, impact our approach to future endeavors?**

### FAQ

**Why did Rehoboam choose Abijah over his other sons, especially if Abijah wasn't the firstborn?**

Answer: The text explicitly states in [2 Chronicles 11:21](/2_chronicles/11-21 "2 Chronicles 11:21 - Rehoboam's Love for Maachah") that Rehoboam "loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines." This strong personal affection for Abijah's mother was the primary reason for his elevation. While primogeniture was a common practice, kings in the ancient Near East often exercised their prerogative to choose a favored son, or one they deemed most capable, as their heir, regardless of birth order. This was a common practice to secure the most stable or desirable succession.

**What does "chief" and "ruler" imply about Abijah's position before he became king?**

Answer: The terms "chief" (רֹאשׁ, _ro'sh_) and "ruler" (נָגִיד, _nagid_) indicate that Abijah was given a formal, preeminent position among his many brothers. He was not just a prince but was designated as the leader or head of the royal household, likely with specific responsibilities and authority. This was a clear public signal of Rehoboam's intention to make him the next king, effectively grooming him for the throne and establishing him as the heir apparent, thereby minimizing potential disputes among his numerous sons.

**Did Abijah actually become king after Rehoboam?**

Answer: Yes, Abijah did indeed succeed Rehoboam as king of Judah. His reign is detailed in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's Reign") and also briefly mentioned in [1 Kings 15:1-8](/1_kings/15-1 "1 Kings 15:1-8 - Abijah's Reign"). This verse, [2 Chronicles 11:22](/2_chronicles/11-22 "2 Chronicles 11:22 - Rehoboam's Intention for Abijah"), therefore serves as a direct foreshadowing of the fulfillment of Rehoboam's intention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly kings of Israel, even those of the Davidic line like Rehoboam and Abijah, served as imperfect shadows and types of the ultimate King to come. Rehoboam's act of designating Abijah as "chief" and "ruler" among his brethren, with the explicit intention of making him king, powerfully foreshadows the unique and divine appointment of Jesus Christ. Unlike Abijah, who was chosen by human preference and succeeded a flawed earthly monarch, Jesus is the eternally begotten Son, uniquely designated by God the Father as the ultimate "chief" and "ruler" over all creation. He is the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), the [true heir of David's throne](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32 - Jesus Will Reign on David's Throne"), whose kingdom is not of this world and will have no end ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). While Rehoboam sought to secure his dynasty through human means, God's plan for His Son's eternal reign was established before the foundation of the world, culminating in Christ's ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, through which He was declared [Lord and Christ](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Made Him Both Lord and Christ"), the one to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). He is the appointed head over the church, His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), truly the "chief" and "ruler" whose reign brings eternal life and perfect justice.

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

Deuteronomy 21:15

¶ If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, [both] the beloved and the hated; and [if] the firstborn son be hers that was hated:

Deuteronomy 21:17

But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated [for] the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he [is] the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn [is] his.

1 Chronicles 5:1

¶ Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he [was] the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

1 Chronicles 5:2

For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

1 Chronicles 29:1

¶ Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, [is yet] young and tender, and the work [is] great: for the palace [is] not for man, but for the LORD God.