2 Chronicles 11:21 provides a glimpse into the life and preferences of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the first king of Judah after the split of the united kingdom of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines": This line highlights Rehoboam's special affection for one of his wives, Maacah. While he had many wives and concubines, his love for Maacah stood out. It's worth noting that while the Bible uses the word "loved," it doesn't necessarily imply romantic love in the modern sense. It could also indicate a preference based on political alliances, her character, or her perceived favor. The mention of Maacah being the "daughter of Absalom" is interesting. Absalom was known for his rebellion against his father, King David. The relationship between Maacah's lineage and Rehoboam's preference is subject to interpretation. Some scholars believe "daughter" here means "granddaughter" and Absalom's daughter, Tamar, had a daughter who was Rehoboam's wife.
"for he took eighteen wives and sixty concubines": This reveals the scale of Rehoboam's household. Polygamy was common among ancient Near Eastern kings, often serving political, social, and economic purposes. Marriages could solidify alliances, increase the king's power through offspring, and provide a means of support for women in the kingdom. The large number of wives and concubines was a display of wealth and power.
"and became the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.": This details the extent of Rehoboam's progeny. Having a large number of children, especially sons, was seen as a sign of blessing and ensured the continuation of the royal line. It also meant that Rehoboam had many potential heirs, which could lead to competition and intrigue within the family.
In essence, the verse portrays:
Rehoboam's preferential affection for Maacah.
The size and scope of Rehoboam's harem, reflecting the practices of kings in that era.
The large number of children Rehoboam fathered, indicative of his status and the importance of lineage.
This verse provides context for understanding Rehoboam's personal life and the political and social environment in which he reigned. It also sets the stage for subsequent events in his reign, including succession struggles or the influence of certain individuals within the royal family.
2 Chronicles 11:21 provides a glimpse into the life and preferences of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the first king of Judah after the split of the united kingdom of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines": This line highlights Rehoboam's special affection for one of his wives, Maacah. While he had many wives and concubines, his love for Maacah stood out. It's worth noting that while the Bible uses the word "loved," it doesn't necessarily imply romantic love in the modern sense. It could also indicate a preference based on political alliances, her character, or her perceived favor. The mention of Maacah being the "daughter of Absalom" is interesting. Absalom was known for his rebellion against his father, King David. The relationship between Maacah's lineage and Rehoboam's preference is subject to interpretation. Some scholars believe "daughter" here means "granddaughter" and Absalom's daughter, Tamar, had a daughter who was Rehoboam's wife.
"for he took eighteen wives and sixty concubines": This reveals the scale of Rehoboam's household. Polygamy was common among ancient Near Eastern kings, often serving political, social, and economic purposes. Marriages could solidify alliances, increase the king's power through offspring, and provide a means of support for women in the kingdom. The large number of wives and concubines was a display of wealth and power.
"and became the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.": This details the extent of Rehoboam's progeny. Having a large number of children, especially sons, was seen as a sign of blessing and ensured the continuation of the royal line. It also meant that Rehoboam had many potential heirs, which could lead to competition and intrigue within the family.
In essence, the verse portrays:
Rehoboam's preferential affection for Maacah.
The size and scope of Rehoboam's harem, reflecting the practices of kings in that era.
The large number of children Rehoboam fathered, indicative of his status and the importance of lineage.
This verse provides context for understanding Rehoboam's personal life and the political and social environment in which he reigned. It also sets the stage for subsequent events in his reign, including succession struggles or the influence of certain individuals within the royal family.