And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;

2 CHRONICLES 11:18KJV
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2 Chronicles 11:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 11:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 11:18 states that Rehoboam, who was king in Jerusalem after Solomon, married Mahalath, the daughter of Jerimoth (a son of David), and Abihail, the daughter of Eliab (a son of Jesse). This verse lists two of Rehoboam’s wives and their family backgrounds, connecting him to both David and Jesse’s lineage.

The verse is part of a historical account describing Rehoboam’s actions after the kingdom split. The Chronicler is noting Rehoboam’s marriages to women from prominent families, emphasizing his ties to the royal house of David and the broader family of Jesse, David’s father. This detail helps set the stage for the next verses, which discuss Rehoboam’s children and further family alliances.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 11:18

  • רְחַבְעָם (Rehoboam, transliterated "Rechav‘am") is the name of Solomon’s son who became king over Judah. His marriages are significant for maintaining royal lineage.
  • לָקַח (took, transliterated "laqach") is the Hebrew word for "took," often used for taking a wife in marriage. It signals a formal act of entering into marriage, not just a casual relationship.
  • אִשָּׁה (wife, transliterated "ishah") means "wife" or "woman," clarifying that these women became Rehoboam’s official spouses, not just concubines or lesser partners.
  • בַּת (daughter, transliterated "bat") is used for both Mahalath and Abihail, highlighting their family connections and the importance of lineage in royal marriages.

Why 2 Chronicles 11:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Rehoboam’s marriages were not random but were strategic alliances within the extended family of David and Jesse, reinforcing his legitimacy as king.
  • The mention of both David and Jesse connects Rehoboam to the foundational figures of Judah’s royal line, which is a recurring theme in Chronicles.
  • Understanding these family ties helps explain the political and social context of Rehoboam’s reign, especially as the kingdom was divided and stability was needed.

Where else these words appear

“Mahalath” Hebrew H4258 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 28:9 Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.

“Abihail” Hebrew H32 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 3:35 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:29 And the name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail, and she bare him Ahban, and Molid.
  • Esther 2:15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

“Jerimoth” Hebrew H3406 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 7:7 And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:23 The sons of Mushi; Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel:

“Eliab” Hebrew H446 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 1:9 Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
  • Numbers 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:
  • 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.