After her he took Maacah the daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Chronicles 11:20
What does 2 Chronicles 11:20 mean?
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2 Chronicles 11:20
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It's easy to skim over this verse, but notice how it names Rehoboam's wife and then immediately lists her children, highlighting her lineage through Absalom. This detail isn't just trivia; it subtly underscores the complex, often intertwined, and sometimes politically charged relationships within the royal families of Israel. It shows how even personal choices in marriage were woven into the larger tapestry of national identity and history.
After her he took Maacah the daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rehoboam, after his initial consolidation of power and securing his family, begins to take more wives and concubines to strengthen his dynasty and political alliances. This verse specifically lists one of these unions, noting his marriage to Maacah, who was the granddaughter of the infamous Absalom, and the mother of his son Abijah, who would later play a significant role.
We meet a name here that echoes through Israel's history with rebellion and tragedy. Who was Absalom, and why does his daughter's lineage matter?
This verse introduces Maacah, daughter of Absalom. Absalom was King David's son, famous for his rebellion against his father and his own tragic end (2 Samuel 15-18).
This connection is significant because:
The names of Maacah's sons might seem like just a list. But one of them will rise to a significant position, showing how seemingly minor details in Scripture hold future weight.
The verse lists four sons born to Rehoboam by Maacah: Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. The most important of these is Abijah.
Abijah's Rise
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This reminds us that God's plans often unfold through unexpected individuals and lineages, and that even a brief period of faithful leadership can have lasting impact.
c. 975 BC
Death of King David
King David dies after a long reign, passing the united kingdom to his son Solomon. This marks the beginning of a new era for Israel.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (2 tribes). Rehoboam, Solomon's son, rules Judah.
c. 931-913 BC— this verse
Reign of Rehoboam
Rehoboam, son of Solomon and grandson of David, reigns as king of Judah. His reign is marked by political turmoil and religious decline, despite efforts to consolidate power.
c. 925 BC
Invasion by Shishak of Egypt
Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt invades Judah, sacking Jerusalem and many other fortified cities. This event significantly weakens Rehoboam's kingdom and impacts its resources.
This passage introduces Absalom, Maacah's father, and his rebellion against King David, highlighting the complex and often tumultuous family dynamics within the royal lineage.
1 Kings 15:1-2This text further clarifies Abijah's identity as the son of Maacah and grandson of Absalom, emphasizing his lineage and connection to the Davidic line through his mother.
1 Kings 15:10This verse specifically mentions Maacah as the mother of Abijah and the grandmother of Asa, reinforcing her significant role within the royal family and the continuation of the Davidic kingship.
2 Samuel 18:18This passage describes Absalom's death and his pillar erected in his memory, providing context for the reputation and legacy of Maacah's father.
It's easy to skim over this verse, but notice how it names Rehoboam's wife and then immediately lists her children, highlighting her lineage through Absalom. This detail isn't just trivia; it subtly underscores the complex, often intertwined, and sometimes politically charged relationships within the royal families of Israel. It shows how even personal choices in marriage were woven into the larger tapestry of national identity and history.
Rehoboam, after his initial consolidation of power and securing his family, begins to take more wives and concubines to strengthen his dynasty and political alliances. This verse specifically lists one of these unions, noting his marriage to Maacah, who was the granddaughter of the infamous Absalom, and the mother of his son Abijah, who would later play a significant role.
Rehoboam, after his initial consolidation of power and securing his family, begins to take more wives and concubines to strengthen his dynasty and political alliances. This verse specifically lists one of these unions, noting his marriage to Maacah, who was the granddaughter of the infamous Absalom, and the mother of his son Abijah, who would later play a significant role.
"After her he took Maacah the daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith." — It's easy to skim over this verse, but notice how it names Rehoboam's wife and then immediately lists her children, highlighting her lineage through Absalom. This detail isn't just trivia; it subtly…
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Last reviewed October 2026