What does 2 Chronicles 11:21 mean?
"And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)" - 2 Chronicles 11:21
The verse 2 Chronicles 11:21 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters."
This verse comes from a larger passage that describes the reign of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and his actions after he became king. Rehoboam was the first king of the Kingdom of Judah after the kingdom split into two separate entities – the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judah in the south.
In this particular verse, there are several themes and messages that can be drawn out from the text. First and foremost, there is the theme of polygamy and its consequences. Rehoboam, like many kings of his time, had multiple wives and concubines. However, the verse specifically mentions his love for Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, above all his other wives and concubines. This demonstrates the complex and often tumultuous relationships that were prevalent in the lives of ancient kings.
The verse also highlights the large family that Rehoboam had – twenty-eight sons and threescore (sixty) daughters. This extensive lineage was not uncommon among ancient kings, as it was a way to solidify their dynasties and ensure the continuation of their lineage and legacy.
From a contextual perspective, it's important to understand the historical and cultural context in which this verse is situated. During this time period, polygamy was a common practice, and having multiple wives and concubines was a sign of wealth and power. However, the Bible consistently portrays polygamy as leading to conflict and strife within families, and this verse is no exception. Rehoboam's preference for Maachah caused tension and jealousy among his other wives and concubines, which ultimately had wider implications for the kingdom and its stability.
The verse also sheds light on the personal life of Rehoboam, providing insights into his character and decision-making. By highlighting his love for Maachah, the verse humanizes Rehoboam and shows the complexities of his personal relationships amidst his royal duties.
Moreover, there are significant symbolic implications to be found in this verse. The large number of sons and daughters fathered by Rehoboam is symbolic of his legacy and the continuation of his lineage. However, the mention of his love for Maachah above all his other wives is symbolic of the conflicts and divisions that can arise from favoritism and unequal treatment within families. This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as it consistently warns against the dangers of showing favoritism and its destructive consequences.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 11:21 offers a glimpse into the personal and familial life of King Rehoboam, while also providing valuable insights into the cultural practices and societal norms of the time. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of polygamy and favoritism, while also emphasizing the complexities of royal life and the challenges of balancing personal relationships with the duties of kingship.
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2 Chronicles 11:21 Artwork
2 Chronicles 11:21 - "And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)"
"And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)" - 2 Chronicles 11:21
2 Chronicles 21:11 - "Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto."
2 Chronicles 20:21
2 Chronicles 21:9
2 Chronicles 11:20
1 Chronicles 21:11 - "So Gad came to David, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Choose thee"
1 Chronicles 11:21 - "Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three."
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,"
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 4:21 - "And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;"
"Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto." - 2 Chronicles 21:11
2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."
1 Chronicles 2:11 - "And Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,"
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 11:6 - "He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,"
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Chronicles 24:21 - "And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 23:21 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword."
2 Chronicles 21:8 - "¶ In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king."
2 Kings 11:21 - "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign."
2 Chronicles 21:2 - "And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel."
2 Chronicles 31:11 - "¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,"
2 Chronicles 11:10 - "And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities."
2 Chronicles 13:21 - "¶ But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters."