2 Chronicles 11:20 – “Then he married Maakah daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza and Shelomith.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse recounts how Rehoboam, the king of Judah, married Maakah, the daughter (or possibly granddaughter, as genealogies sometimes skip generations) of Absalom. Maakah gave birth to four children: Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. Among these children, Abijah would later succeed Rehoboam as king of Judah.
Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah likely had political motivations, as Absalom was the son of King David. Marrying into David’s extended family would have strengthened Rehoboam’s claim to the throne by reinforcing his lineage from David, who was the foundational figure for the southern kingdom of Judah. This marriage demonstrates the importance of alliances and family ties in maintaining royal power in ancient Israel.
Historical Context
Rehoboam’s reign followed the division of Israel into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam and the southern kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam. The royal line of Judah, descended from David, was critical for maintaining the legitimacy of the throne, and Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah, connected to David’s family through Absalom, would have further bolstered his standing.
Absalom, Maakah’s father (or ancestor), was one of David’s sons who led a rebellion against his father but ultimately died in the conflict (2 Samuel 15-18). Even though Absalom’s legacy was tainted by his rebellion, his connection to David would still carry significance in Rehoboam’s efforts to strengthen his royal authority.
This verse also sets up the succession of Rehoboam’s son Abijah, who would later become the king of Judah. The reference to his children shows the continuation of the royal line, which was critical for the stability of Judah and the fulfillment of God’s promises to David.
Theological Implications
This verse reflects the importance of family and legacy in God’s unfolding plan. Even though Absalom had rebelled against his father David, God’s covenant with David endured, and his descendants continued to rule Judah. Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah, despite its political motivations, served as part of the continuation of the Davidic line, which would ultimately lead to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Theologically, this verse reminds us that God’s purposes are not thwarted by human failure. Even though Absalom rebelled and even though Rehoboam had his own failings as a king, God remained faithful to His promise to David—that his descendants would rule on the throne of Judah. This teaches us about God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through imperfect people to accomplish His plans.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a genealogical section that focuses on Rehoboam’s family and the children born to him through his various marriages. The mention of Maakah and her children, specifically Abijah, highlights the continuation of the royal line and sets the stage for the next generation of leadership in Judah.
The naming of Maakah as “the daughter of Absalom” emphasizes the importance of her family lineage, reinforcing the significance of the Davidic dynasty. The list of children reflects the Bible’s frequent use of genealogies to show how God’s promises are passed down through generations.
The brief mention of Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah and the children she bore is a standard literary feature in biblical genealogies, where the focus is more on the continuation of the family line than on the specific details of each person’s life.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16: God’s promise to David that his descendants would rule over Israel, a promise being fulfilled through Rehoboam and his sons.
- 1 Kings 15:1-3: Abijah, mentioned in this verse, would later become king of Judah after Rehoboam’s death.
- Matthew 1:1-17: The genealogy of Jesus, which includes David and his descendants, showing how the line of kings leads to the birth of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to David.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the importance of legacy—not just in terms of family, but in terms of faith. Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah and the children born to them were part of the continuation of God’s plan through the line of David. In our own lives, we should consider how our actions, relationships, and faith impact future generations. Are we leaving a legacy of faithfulness to God?
This verse also reminds us that God works through imperfect people and families. Rehoboam’s life had its share of mistakes, and Absalom, Maakah’s father, had rebelled against David. Yet God’s plan continued through these flawed individuals. This teaches us that despite our weaknesses or the failures of those before us, God can use us for His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His commitment to His promises, despite human failings. God had promised David that his descendants would remain on the throne, and He continued to honor that covenant, even through the complex and flawed relationships within David’s family. Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah and the birth of their children are part of the unfolding story of God’s faithfulness.
God’s love is also seen in His patience with humanity. Although Rehoboam and many of his descendants made poor choices, God’s love for His people remained steadfast. He continued to work through the line of David, eventually bringing about the birth of Jesus, the ultimate expression of His love for the world.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ through the continuation of the Davidic line. Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah and the birth of their son Abijah are part of the genealogical line that would eventually lead to the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to David—that one of his descendants would reign forever (Luke 1:32-33).
While the kings of Judah were often flawed and fell short of God’s standard, Jesus is the perfect King who reigns in righteousness. This verse reminds us that God’s plan to bring salvation through Christ was in motion long before Jesus was born, working through the generations of David’s family to bring about the birth of the Savior.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to think about the legacy you are leaving for future generations, both in your family and in your faith community?
- In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances or past mistakes seem overwhelming?
- What can we learn from the continuation of the Davidic line about God’s ability to work through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes?
- How does Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, impact your understanding of God’s long-term plan for salvation?
- How can you ensure that your life is contributing to a legacy of faithfulness, even in the midst of life’s challenges or past family struggles?