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.