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.)
2 Chronicles 11:21 · King James Version
Meaning
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was known for his great number of wives and concubines. However, this verse highlights his particular affection for Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, above all his other wives and concubines. The verse provides insight into Rehoboam's family life, revealing that he had a total of eighteen wives and threescore (sixty) concubines, which resulted in a large family with twenty-eight sons and threescore (sixty) daughters. This verse serves to illustrate the complex dynamics of ancient royal families and the polygamous nature of society during that time. It showcases Rehoboam's preference for Maachah and sheds light on the customs and practices of the period. Despite Rehoboam's many marriages and children, his love for Maachah stood out, emphasizing her special position in his life amidst a large and diverse family structure.
Theological Overview
Rehoboam's actions in loving Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, above all his other wives and concubines, raise theological questions regarding his devotion to God. The Bible is clear that God intended marriage to be a sacred union between one man and one woman, yet Rehoboam's choice to favor one wife over the others goes against this fundamental principle. Additionally, his excessive number of wives and concubines—eighteen wives and threescore concubines—demonstrates his greed and lack of self-control, attributes that are frowned upon in the eyes of God. The resulting large family of twenty-eight sons and threescore daughters further highlights the consequences of Rehoboam's actions. Through a theological lens, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from God's intended design for marriage and relationships.
2 Chronicles 11:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Rehoboam loved Maacah 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.)
World English Bible
Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and sixty concubines, and became the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.)
Douay-Rheims
And Roboam loved Maacha the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and concubines: for he had married eighteen wives, and threescore concubines: and he begot eight and twenty sons, and threescore daughters.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Rehoboam loued Maakah ye daughter of Absalom aboue all his wiues and his concubines: for he tooke eighteene wiues, and three score concubines, and begate eyght and twentie sonnes, and three score daughters.