2 Chronicles 11:22 kjv
And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king.
2 Chronicles 11:22 nkjv
And Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son of Maachah as chief, to be leader among his brothers; for he intended to make him king.
2 Chronicles 11:22 niv
Rehoboam appointed Abijah son of Maakah as crown prince among his brothers, in order to make him king.
2 Chronicles 11:22 esv
And Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son of Maacah as chief prince among his brothers, for he intended to make him king.
2 Chronicles 11:22 nlt
Rehoboam appointed Maacah's son Abijah as leader among the princes, making it clear that he would be the next king.
2 Chronicles 11 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 21:10-12 | "...Cast out this slave woman with her son... for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac." | Isaac chosen over Ishmael despite primogeniture. |
| Gen 48:17-19 | Jacob crosses his hands, blessing Ephraim (younger) over Manasseh (older). | Blessing passed to a younger son by choice. |
| Deut 21:15-17 | Laws regarding the inheritance rights of the firstborn son. | Establishes legal norm of primogeniture, highlighting Rehoboam's deviation. |
| 1 Sam 16:1, 12 | God rejects Saul's sons, instructs Samuel to anoint one of Jesse's sons, David. | Divine selection overriding human expectations or natural succession. |
| 1 Kgs 1:5-6 | Adonijah, older son, exalts himself as king, against David's will. | Contested succession when a favored, younger son (Solomon) is designated. |
| 1 Kgs 1:13 | Bathsheba reminds David, "Did you not swear... that Solomon your son should reign after you...?" | David's deliberate choice for Solomon, not the eldest, is highlighted. |
| 1 Kgs 1:28-30 | David confirms Solomon as his successor. | Explicit royal declaration of successor, similar to Rehoboam's intention. |
| 1 Kgs 11:3 | Solomon had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. | Context of large royal households, multiple sons, and complex succession. |
| 1 Chr 3:1-9 | Lists of David's sons, often not in strict birth order in key roles. | Example of varied royal family dynamics and chosen leadership roles. |
| 1 Chr 22:9-10 | Nathan prophesies Solomon's peaceful reign and temple building. | God's divine purpose aligning with a specific choice of successor. |
| 2 Chr 11:18-21 | Rehoboam's numerous wives and children, highlighting Maachah's favored status. | Immediate context showing the family background for this decision. |
| 2 Chr 12:16 | Rehoboam rests with his fathers; Abijah his son reigned in his place. | Confirmation of Abijah's eventual ascension as planned. |
| 2 Chr 13:1-2 | Abijah begins to reign in Judah. His mother's name is specified as Maachah. | Fulfillment of Rehoboam's intent to make Abijah king. |
| Prov 16:9 | A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. | Human planning (Rehoboam's intent) subject to divine ultimate will. |
| Prov 19:21 | Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. | Reiteration of human foresight being under God's ultimate control. |
| Prov 22:6 | Train up a child in the way he should go... | Rehoboam likely providing specific training and advantages for Abijah. |
| Eccl 9:11 | The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise... | Illustrates how outcomes (like succession) aren't always based on natural order or expectation. |
| Luke 14:28-30 | Parable of the tower builder; planning and foresight. | Shows human prudence in making future arrangements and plans. |
| Rom 9:10-13 | Rebecca's children, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. | God's sovereign choice bypassing the elder for the younger. |
| Gal 4:21-31 | Hagar and Sarah's sons, sons of the free woman vs. sons of the slave woman. | Illustrates the principle of designated heir vs. birthright in a spiritual context. |
| Heb 1:2 | ...whom he appointed heir of all things... | Divine appointment of an heir (Jesus Christ), providing the ultimate parallel. |
2 Chronicles 11 verses
2 Chronicles 11 22 Meaning
Rehoboam, recognizing the importance of establishing a clear succession, designated Abijah, the son of his favored wife Maachah, as the chief among all his sons. This act was not merely one of honor but an explicit intention by Rehoboam to set Abijah apart as the next king of Judah, bypassing the normal right of primogeniture and solidifying his personal choice for the future of his dynasty.
2 Chronicles 11 22 Context
This verse is set in the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, after the division of the kingdom of Israel into two, Judah (under Rehoboam) and Israel (under Jeroboam). Chapter 11 describes Rehoboam's efforts to strengthen his kingdom after the separation. He fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin (2 Chr 11:5-12) and received Levites and those faithful to the LORD from all over Israel who migrated to Judah (2 Chr 11:13-17). Amidst this period of consolidating his reign and focusing on his kingdom, Rehoboam also gave attention to his domestic affairs and the matter of royal succession. Verse 22 follows the detail in verse 21, which highlights Rehoboam's vast household of 18 wives, 60 concubines, and 28 sons, specifically noting his love for Maachah above all his wives and Abijah being her son. Therefore, Rehoboam's decision to make Abijah "the chief" and intend him to be king is rooted in both personal affection and strategic planning for the future of his dynasty, particularly important in a polygamous royal household where rival claims to the throne were common.
2 Chronicles 11 22 Word analysis
- And Rehoboam made: Signifies a deliberate and active decision on Rehoboam's part, exercising his royal authority. He is proactive in addressing the issue of succession.
- Abijah the son of Maachah: Specifies the chosen heir. Abijah is explicitly identified through his mother, Maachah, highlighting her favored status and influence as the "most loved" wife of Rehoboam (2 Chr 11:21), even though she was also the daughter of Absalom (2 Chr 11:20), indicating a politically significant lineage.
- the chief: From Hebrew rosh (ראש). This term means head, leader, principal. It signifies pre-eminence and the highest position, elevating Abijah above his numerous brothers. This designation confirms Abijah's elevated status within the royal family, signaling his prime position.
- to be ruler: From Hebrew nagid (נגיד). This word refers to a prince, a leader, a chief, often one appointed or designated to rule. It implies more than just honorary status; it suggests an heir apparent, one marked for future authority. The combination with rosh reinforces the notion of his unparalleled preeminence among the king's sons.
- among his brethren: Rehoboam had 28 sons (2 Chr 11:21). This phrase emphasizes that Abijah's elevated position was not by natural right (primogeniture is not mentioned) but by a deliberate choice made over many other potential heirs, some of whom might have been older. This decision required a clear declaration to prevent future disputes.
- for he thought to make him king: This phrase clarifies Rehoboam's ultimate intention and motivation. It was a conscious, future-oriented plan. The use of "thought" or "purposed" reveals the king's strategic foresight and personal desire for Abijah to succeed him. This direct statement of intent distinguishes it from merely conferring a high honor; it was about the kingdom's succession.
2 Chronicles 11 22 Bonus section
Rehoboam’s act of appointing Abijah as the leading prince was not simply a familial favor; it was a political maneuver. By strategically placing Abijah in a position of authority and influence, Rehoboam could acclimate him to leadership roles and prevent internecine struggles among his sons after his death. This also extended to providing resources, as 2 Chr 11:23 notes that Rehoboam "dealt wisely, and dispersed some of his sons throughout all the districts of Judah and Benjamin, to every fortified city. And he gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them." This indicates a calculated effort to satisfy and occupy his other sons, thereby minimizing their potential jealousy or ambition that could threaten Abijah's designated role. This level of foresight suggests a recognition by Rehoboam of the inherent dangers of unclear or contested succession in a divided kingdom.
2 Chronicles 11 22 Commentary
2 Chronicles 11:22 reveals Rehoboam's decisive action regarding the royal succession. In an era where primogeniture often dictated heirship but favoritism also played a significant role, Rehoboam deliberately chose Abijah, the son of his favorite wife, Maachah. This choice to elevate Abijah as "chief" and "ruler" among his many brothers demonstrates a calculated effort to manage potential conflicts over the throne, which often arose in large polygamous royal households. By designating Abijah as the intended successor, Rehoboam aimed to establish a clear line of ascent, ensuring a smooth transition of power. This mirrors instances where kings like David personally appointed a successor (Solomon) rather than leaving it to the uncertainties of primogeniture or natural succession among competing claims. It reflects Rehoboam's human wisdom in seeking to secure the stability of his reign and dynasty within the limited kingdom of Judah. This decision, born of human intention, aligns with Abijah eventually indeed becoming king (2 Chr 13:1).