2 Chronicles 11:21 – “Rehoboam loved Maakah daughter of Absalom more than any of his other wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse tells us that King Rehoboam had a particular affection for one of his wives, Maakah, who was a daughter or descendant of Absalom, more than any of his other wives and concubines. It also gives a glimpse into Rehoboam’s family life, mentioning that he had a large family with 18 wives, 60 concubines, 28 sons, and 60 daughters.
In ancient times, kings often had many wives and concubines, which served both political and social purposes. Marrying multiple women, especially from important families, was a way to form alliances and secure power. Rehoboam’s preference for Maakah, however, is emphasized here, showing that his affection for her stood out among his many relationships.
The size of Rehoboam’s family also highlights the complexities of royal life in ancient Israel. Having a large number of wives and children often led to internal strife and competition within the royal family, as later generations would compete for power and influence.
Historical Context
Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon and the grandson of King David. After Solomon’s death, the kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Rehoboam became the first king of Judah, ruling over the southern tribes. His reign was marked by a mixture of loyalty to the traditions of his father and grandfather and the internal conflicts that arose from his leadership decisions.
During Rehoboam’s time, polygamy among kings was common. Marrying many wives, particularly women from important families, was part of maintaining power, forming alliances, and ensuring the continuation of the royal line. Rehoboam’s marriage to Maakah, a descendant of Absalom, strengthened his connection to the house of David, as Absalom was David’s son. This kind of political marriage would have solidified Rehoboam’s claim to the throne and boosted his legitimacy as king of Judah.
Theological Implications
While polygamy was practiced by many kings in the Old Testament, it often led to complications and troubles within families. God’s original design for marriage was one man and one woman, as seen in Genesis 2:24. The Bible shows that when leaders like Rehoboam followed cultural norms rather than God’s ideal for marriage, it often resulted in family conflict and division, as we see later in Rehoboam’s life and in the lives of many other kings.
The large number of wives and concubines Rehoboam had also demonstrates the challenges that came with political marriages. While these marriages were common in royal circles, they did not lead to godliness. Rehoboam’s preference for one wife over others might have led to jealousy and conflict within the royal household, a theme we see repeated throughout Israel’s history, including in the lives of Solomon and David.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured to highlight Rehoboam’s affection for Maakah while also providing a broader view of his family. The verse contrasts his deep love for Maakah with the vast number of wives and concubines he had, emphasizing the complexity of his personal relationships. By noting his love for Maakah specifically, the writer may be hinting at the favoritism that would later influence political decisions, such as the selection of heirs.
The inclusion of specific numbers—18 wives, 60 concubines, 28 sons, and 60 daughters—serves to underline the scale of Rehoboam’s family life. This vast number of children suggests that Rehoboam’s household would have been large, complex, and likely filled with competing ambitions.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 17:17: In this passage, God warns the kings of Israel not to take many wives, as this would lead their hearts astray. Rehoboam’s many wives may have been politically advantageous but were not in line with God’s command for kings.
- Genesis 2:24: This verse gives the biblical ideal for marriage—one man and one woman, united as one flesh. Rehoboam’s polygamy was a departure from God’s original design for marriage.
- 1 Kings 11:3: This verse recounts how Rehoboam’s father, Solomon, also had many wives and concubines, which ultimately led him away from God. Rehoboam seems to be following in Solomon’s footsteps, with similar risks to his spiritual life.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of straying from God’s plan for marriage and family. While polygamy was practiced by many Old Testament figures, it often led to broken families, rivalry, and spiritual decline. In our own lives, we are called to honor God’s design for marriage and relationships, prioritizing love, faithfulness, and unity over cultural practices that may seem beneficial but ultimately lead to conflict.
The verse also reminds us of the importance of avoiding favoritism in our relationships. Rehoboam’s special affection for Maakah over his other wives likely caused tension and jealousy within his family. In our own relationships, whether in family, work, or church, showing favoritism can lead to division and hurt. We are called to love and care for others with fairness and kindness, avoiding favoritism that can create unnecessary conflict.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His patience and grace with His people, even when they fall short of His standards. Rehoboam, like many other kings, did not follow God’s design for marriage, yet God still worked through him and his descendants to fulfill His promises to David. This shows that even when we make mistakes, God’s love and plans are not thwarted.
God’s love is also demonstrated in His design for marriage. The biblical model of one man and one woman reflects God’s desire for relationships to be marked by mutual love, respect, and commitment. When we follow God’s plan, we experience the blessings of strong, healthy relationships.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the broader narrative of the Davidic line. Despite the shortcomings of kings like Rehoboam, God’s promise to David—that one of his descendants would reign forever—was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus, the true and perfect King, came to establish an eternal kingdom that is not marked by the failures and imperfections of human kings.
Jesus also came to restore God’s original design for marriage and relationships. In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage as a union between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brings healing to broken relationships and calls us to live in love and unity with others.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Rehoboam’s large family and multiple marriages remind you of the importance of following God’s design for relationships?
- What can we learn from Rehoboam’s favoritism toward Maakah about the dangers of showing partiality in our relationships?
- How does this verse challenge us to consider the impact of our family relationships on future generations?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill God’s promises to David, despite the failings of kings like Rehoboam?
- How can we apply the principles of love, faithfulness, and fairness in our relationships, whether in family, church, or community?