2 Chronicles 11:21

Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than all his wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and he was the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.

Study Bible

Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom
The phrase highlights Rehoboam's affection for Maacah, who is identified as the daughter of Absalom. The Hebrew root for "loved" (אָהַב, 'ahav) conveys a deep, personal affection and preference. This love is significant because it shows a personal choice that impacts royal decisions. Maacah's lineage, being the daughter of Absalom, ties Rehoboam to a notable family history, as Absalom was a son of King David. This connection to David's line would have been politically and socially significant, reinforcing Rehoboam's legitimacy and status.

more than all his other wives and concubines
This phrase indicates a preferential treatment that Rehoboam gave to Maacah over his other wives and concubines. The Hebrew word for "more than" (מִכָּל, mikol) suggests a comparison that elevates Maacah above others. In the context of ancient Near Eastern royal practices, kings often had multiple wives and concubines to secure alliances and produce heirs. However, Rehoboam's favoritism towards Maacah could have led to familial tensions and political implications, as favoritism often did in royal households.

In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines
The enumeration of Rehoboam's wives and concubines reflects the common practice of polygamy among ancient Near Eastern royalty. The numbers signify wealth, power, and the king's ability to maintain a large household. The Hebrew culture, while allowing polygamy, often highlighted the complications it brought, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like Solomon and David. This practice, while culturally accepted, often led to familial discord and divided loyalties.

twenty-eight sons, and sixty daughters
The mention of Rehoboam's offspring underscores the king's role in ensuring the continuation of his lineage and the stability of his dynasty. The large number of children would have been seen as a blessing and a sign of divine favor. However, it also posed challenges in terms of succession and governance, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah, where multiple heirs often led to power struggles. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on progeny, viewing children as a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, known for his unwise decision that led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel.

2. Maacah
The daughter of Absalom, favored wife of Rehoboam, indicating her influence in the royal household.

3. Absalom
The son of King David, known for his rebellion against his father, which adds a layer of complexity to Maacah's background.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom over which Rehoboam reigned after the division of Israel.

5. Polygamy
The practice of having multiple wives and concubines, which was common among kings of that era but often led to familial and spiritual complications.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Favoritism
Rehoboam's favoritism towards Maacah could have led to jealousy and discord within his family. Favoritism can create division and strife in any family or community setting.

Consequences of Polygamy
The practice of polygamy, while culturally accepted at the time, often led to complex family dynamics and spiritual decline, as seen in the lives of both Solomon and Rehoboam.

Influence of Family Background
Maacah's lineage as the daughter of Absalom may have brought certain influences into Rehoboam's court. Our family backgrounds can impact our decisions and relationships, for better or worse.

The Importance of Obedience to God's Commands
Rehoboam's actions reflect a disregard for God's instructions regarding marriage for kings. Obedience to God's Word is crucial for personal and communal well-being.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rehoboam's favoritism towards Maacah reflect in his leadership and family dynamics, and what can we learn from this about the impact of favoritism in our own lives?

2. Considering the warnings in Deuteronomy 17:17, what are the potential spiritual dangers of ignoring God's commands, and how can we apply this to modern-day temptations?

3. In what ways can our family backgrounds influence our decisions, and how can we ensure that we are making choices aligned with God's will?

4. How does the practice of polygamy in the Old Testament contrast with the biblical ideal of marriage, and what lessons can we draw for contemporary relationships?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required obedience to God's Word. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 11:1-4
This passage discusses Solomon's many wives and how they led him astray, providing a backdrop for understanding the potential pitfalls of Rehoboam's similar choices.

Deuteronomy 17:17
This verse warns against kings multiplying wives, which can lead their hearts astray, directly applicable to Rehoboam's situation.

Genesis 2:24
The original design for marriage as one man and one woman, contrasting with the polygamous practices of Rehoboam.