2 Chronicles 11:22

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

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}.

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

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

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

2 Chronicles 11:22 details King Rehoboam's strategic decision regarding his successor from among his many sons. This verse highlights a crucial aspect of ancient monarchies: securing the dynastic line and ensuring a stable transfer of power.

Context

This verse is situated within the account of King Rehoboam's reign over the southern kingdom of Judah, following the dramatic division of the united monarchy after his father Solomon's death. Rehoboam, who famously rejected the counsel of older advisors for harsher policies (2 Chronicles 10:14), lost the ten northern tribes to Jeroboam. In the chapters leading up to this verse, the Chronicler emphasizes Rehoboam's efforts to strengthen and fortify Judah, as well as his extensive family life. Verse 21 of this chapter explicitly states that Rehoboam loved Maachah, the mother of Abijah, more than all his other wives and concubines, having eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and fathering twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters. This favoritism sets the stage for Abijah's elevation.

Key Themes

  • Succession Planning: Rehoboam's primary aim was to establish a clear heir to the throne, avoiding potential power struggles among his numerous sons. By appointing Abijah as "chief" or "ruler" (a prince or deputy), he publicly signaled his intention for Abijah to be the next king.
  • Royal Authority and Favoritism: The verse underscores the king's absolute power to designate his successor, often influenced by personal affection or political considerations. Rehoboam's preference for Maachah, and consequently for her son Abijah, played a significant role in this decision, despite other sons being older.
  • Dynastic Continuity: For ancient monarchies, ensuring a smooth and legitimate transfer of power was paramount for stability and the longevity of the ruling house. Rehoboam's actions here are a proactive step towards maintaining the Davidic line in Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "chief" and "ruler" to describe Abijah's elevated position. The Hebrew word for "chief" is ro'sh (ืจึนืืฉื), meaning "head" or "first," indicating his preeminent status among his brothers. The term translated "ruler" is nagid (ื ึธื’ึดื™ื“), which often denotes a prince, leader, or appointed official, someone designated for a position of authority. These terms together emphasize that Abijah was not merely one of many sons, but had been formally elevated and groomed for kingship.

Practical Application

This verse, while rooted in ancient royal dynamics, offers timeless insights into leadership and succession. It highlights the importance of clear leadership transitions in any organization, family, or nation. While favoritism can be problematic, the principle of identifying and preparing a successor is vital for continuity and stability. Ultimately, human plans are made, but Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that a man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Abijah indeed became king, but his reign was brief and not without its own challenges, as recorded in 2 Chronicles chapter 13.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 21:15 (5 votes)

    ยถ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 29:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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.