Why is Abijah's mother's name listed as Michaiah here, but as Maacah in 1 Kings 15:2?

This apparent discrepancy is common in biblical genealogies and can be reconciled in a few ways. "Michaiah" and "Maacah" could be variant names for the same person, much like "Saul" and "Paul" for the apostle. Alternatively, "daughter" (Hebrew: *bat*) can sometimes be used in a broader sense to refer to a granddaughter or a female descendant, meaning Michaiah might have been Maacah's daughter or a later descendant. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern genealogies, which often focused on establishing lineage rather than strict biological parentage in every instance. Both names point to her prominent lineage, emphasizing the importance of the queen mother's position in the royal court. The Chronicler often provides additional details or emphasizes different aspects compared to the book of Kings, but these do not undermine the historical accuracy of the accounts.

What was the significance of Gibeah, Abijah's mother's hometown?

Gibeah was a town located in the territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem. It held significant historical importance, notably as the hometown of Israel's first king, Saul (1 Samuel 10:26). More dramatically, it was the site of a horrific incident involving a Levite and his concubine, which led to a devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin, almost wiping them out (Judges 19-21). The mention of Uriel of Gibeah as Michaiah's father suggests a connection to a family of some standing or historical significance within the Benjaminite tribe, further grounding Abijah's lineage within the broader historical and geographical context of Israel.

13:1 13:1

2 Chronicles 13:2

13:3 13:3

Bible Versions

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.

He reigned {H4427} three {H7969} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}. His mother's {H517} name {H8034} also was Michaiah {H4322} the daughter {H1323} of Uriel {H222} of Gibeah {H1390}. And there was war {H4421} between Abijah {H29} and Jeroboam {H3379}.

He ruled three years in Yerushalayim; his mother's name was Mikhayahu the daughter of Uri'el from Giv'ah. There was war between Aviyah and Yarov'am.

and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Micaiah daughter of Uriel; she was from Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

Three years reigned he in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 11:20

And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.
1 Kings 15:6

And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
1 Kings 15:7

Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.
1 Samuel 10:26

And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
Judges 19:16

¶ And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which [was] also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place [were] Benjamites.
1 Kings 15:2

Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
Judges 19:14

And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them [when they were] by Gibeah, which [belongeth] to Benjamin.

Bible Versions

Search Scripture