What does 2 Chronicles 11:20 mean?
"And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith." - 2 Chronicles 11:20

2 Chronicles 11:20 (KJV) reads, "And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith."
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the Old Testament that tells the story of the reign of King Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon, and the division of the Kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam is known for leading the southern kingdom of Judah, while Jeroboam led the northern kingdom of Israel. The verse in question details Rehoboam's family life, specifically his marriage to Maachah, the daughter of Absalom.
In this verse, we are given insight into Rehoboam's personal life and family dynamics. Maachah is mentioned as the wife of Rehoboam and the mother of his children, specifically Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. Each of these children plays a role in the narrative of the Bible and the history of the Kingdom of Judah. The mention of Maachah's lineage, being the daughter of Absalom, also adds historical context and significance to this verse.
The verse carries several themes that are prevalent throughout the Bible, such as family, lineage, and the consequences of sin. In this context, Rehoboam's marriage to Maachah and the birth of their children solidifies the continuation of the line of David, as Rehoboam was a descendant of King David. This lineage is significant in biblical history, as it ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David."
Additionally, the mention of Maachah being the daughter of Absalom is a reminder of the sins and rebellions that plagued King David's family. Absalom, Maachah's father, famously rebelled against King David and attempted to seize the throne, leading to a tumultuous period in Israel's history. This narrative serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness and redemption in the eyes of God.
Symbolism can also be found within this verse, particularly in the names of Rehoboam and Maachah's children. In biblical tradition, names often hold significant meaning and symbolism. For example, Abijah means "my father is Yahweh," which reflects a strong belief in God. Attai means "time," Ziza means "abundance," and Shelomith means "peaceful." These names may symbolize the hopes and aspirations of Rehoboam and Maachah for their children, as well as their faith and trust in God's providence.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 11:20 is a verse that provides insight into the personal life of King Rehoboam and the continuation of the line of David. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking forgiveness. The verse carries themes of family, lineage, and redemption, and the symbolism of the names of Rehoboam and Maachah's children adds depth to the narrative. Overall, this verse contributes to the larger biblical narrative and provides valuable lessons for readers.
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2 Chronicles 11:20 Artwork
2 Chronicles 11:20
2 Chronicles 11:20 - "And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith."
"And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith." - 2 Chronicles 11:20
2 Chronicles 20:11 - "Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit."
2 Chronicles 20:37
2 Chronicles 20:28
2 Chronicles 20:21
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Chronicles 30:20 - "And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people."
2 Chronicles 35:11
2 Chronicles 11:2 - "But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,"
2 Chronicles 11:8 - "And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,"
2 Chronicles 11:9 - "And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,"
1 Chronicles 2:20 - "And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel."
2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"
2 Chronicles 11:11 - "And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine."
2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."
1 Chronicles 2:11 - "And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,"
2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 11:19 - "Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham."
2 Chronicles 11:5 - "¶ And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah."
2 Chronicles 20:5 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,"
2 Chronicles 20:8 - "And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,"
2 Chronicles 11:6 - "He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,"
2 Chronicles 29:20 - "¶ Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 20:3 - "And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
2 Chronicles 20:30 - "So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about."
2 Chronicles 4:20 - "Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;"