1 Kings 15:2
1 Kings 15:2 in Multiple Translations
and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom.
Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
Three years reigned he in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom.
For three years he was king in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Maacah, the daughter of Abishalom.
He reigned in Jerusalem for three years. His mother's name was Maacah, daughter of Abishalom.
Three yeere reigned hee in Ierusalem, and his mothers name was Maachah the daughter of Abishalom.
three years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother [is] Maachah daughter of Abishalom;
He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom.
Three years he reigned in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
He reigned three years in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Maacha the daughter of Abessalom.
He ruled for three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Maacah, the granddaughter of David’s son Absalom.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 15:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 15:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
שָׁנִ֔ים
מָלַ֖ךְ
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
אִמּ֔/וֹ
מַעֲכָ֖ה
בַּת
אֲבִישָׁלֽוֹם
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
Conj | N-ms
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
מַעֲכָ֖ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
Maacah
N-proper
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
אֲבִישָׁלֽוֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 15:2
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
שָׁנִ֔ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
מָלַ֖ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
וְ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
מַעֲכָ֖ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
"Maacah"
N-proper
Maacah is a name that refers to a place in Syria, several Israelites, and some women, meaning 'oppression'. It's also the name of a city with a king in Israel. The name appears in the Bible as 'Maachah' or 'Maacah'.
Definition: Maachah = "oppression" a city with a king that continued within Israel Also named: ma.a.kha.ti (מַעֲכָתִי "Maacathite" H4602)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maachah, Maachathites. See also H1038 (בֵּית מַעֲכָה). See also: Genesis 22:24; 1 Chronicles 7:15; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
אֲבִישָׁלֽוֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 15:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 15:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:2
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
Context — Abijam Reigns in Judah
1In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijam became king of Judah,
2and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom.
3And Abijam walked in all the sins that his father before him had committed, and his heart was not as fully devoted to the LORD his God as the heart of David his forefather had been. 4Nevertheless, for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and to make Jerusalem strong.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 13:2 | and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Micaiah daughter of Uriel; she was from Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 11:20–22 | After her, he married Maacah daughter of Absalom, and she bore to him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than all his wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and he was the father of twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters. Rehoboam appointed Abijah son of Maacah as chief prince among his brothers, intending to make him king. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 15:13 | He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley. |
1 Kings 15:2 Summary
[This verse tells us that Abijam was the king of Judah for three years and that his mother's name was Maacah, which is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:20. As we learn more about Abijam's life, we see that he did not follow God with all his heart, unlike his ancestor David, who is an example of a man after God's own heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22. This reminds us that our family background and influences can shape our relationship with God, but ultimately, it is up to each of us to choose to follow Him, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 and Joshua 24:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Abijam's mother and what is her significance in the Bible?
Abijam's mother was Maacah, the daughter of Abishalom, and her name is mentioned in 1 Kings 15:2 as well as in 2 Chronicles 11:20, where we learn more about her family background and influence on Abijam's life.
How long did Abijam reign as king of Judah?
According to 1 Kings 15:2, Abijam reigned as king of Judah for three years, a relatively short period of time, which may indicate that his reign was marked by instability or challenges.
What can we learn about Abijam's character from this verse?
Although this verse does not explicitly describe Abijam's character, it sets the stage for the next verse, 1 Kings 15:3, which reveals that he followed in the sinful ways of his father, Rehoboam, and did not have a heart fully devoted to God, unlike his ancestor David, as seen in 1 Kings 11:4
Is Abijam's reign significant in the larger story of the Bible?
Abijam's reign is significant because it marks a continuation of the divided kingdom of Israel, with Judah in the south and Israel in the north, as described in 1 Kings 12:1-33, and it also highlights God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-16
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to have a heart fully devoted to God, and how can I cultivate this in my own life, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37?
- How does my family background and upbringing influence my relationship with God, and what can I learn from Abijam's example?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize my relationship with God, even when those around me may not be following Him, as seen in Joshua 24:15 and Psalm 119:1-8?
- How does God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in Abijam's story, encourage me to trust Him in my own life, as described in Hebrews 11:1-40?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:2
Three years reigned he in Jerusalem,.... And three only; his reign was short, and indeed not three full years, only one whole year and part of two others; for Asa his son began to reign in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:2
Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. Three years reigned he - (cf. 1 Kings 15:1 with 1 Kings 15:9.) Parts of years are counted in Scripture as whole years.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
Three years: See Poole "". Of Abishalom, or, of Absalom, as he is called, . And because he is here mentioned as a known person, without any addition of his kindred or quality, some conceive that this was Absalom’ s daughter, called properly Tamar, , and from her royal grandmother, Maachah; and that she is called Michaiah (which differs not much from Maachah) the daughter of Uriel, , because she was first married to Uriel, as Josephus affirms, Antiq. viii. 3, and afterwards to Rehoboam. Others think this was another person, and that both she and her father had each of them several names, which was not unusual among the Hebrews.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
1 Kings 15:2 Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’ s name [was] Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. Ver. 2. His mother’ s name was Maachah.] Called also Micalah; we read likewise of a woman called Abijah. The daughter of Abishalom.] Or, Absalom, whose daughter or niece by his daughter Tamar this Maachah may seem to have been: her husband’ s name was Uriel of Gibeah.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
(2) Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.—The Abishalom of this passage, called, in 2 Chronicles 11:20, Absalom, is in all probability the rebel son of David, whose mother (2 Samuel 3:3) was also named Maachah. In 2 Chronicles 11:21-22, it seems that of all the wives (“eighteen wives and threescore concubines”) whom Àehoboam, following the evil traditions of his father, took, she was the favourite, and that even in his lifetime Rehoboam exalted Abijam “to be ruler among his brethren.” In 2 Chronicles 13:2 she is called Michaiah, and said to be the daughter of “Uriel of Gibeah.” This shows that, as indeed chronological considerations would suggest, she must have been the granddaughter of Absalom. She is mentioned below (1 Kings 15:13) as prominent in the evil propensity to idolatry.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:2
2. Three years reigned he] If he began his reign in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam, and was succeeded by Asa (1 Kings 15:9) in the twentieth year of the same king, the three years cannot have been complete. But this must frequently be noted in the chronological records of the two kingdoms, and imports an element of uncertainty into them. Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom] In 2 Chronicles 13:2 Abijah’s mother is called ‘Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah.’ But in 2 Chronicles 11:20 it is said that Rehoboam married ‘Maachah the daughter of Absalom, which bare him Abijah.’ Abishalom is only another form of Absalom and the person here meant may be the well-known son of David. ‘Daughter’ is sometimes used for ‘grand-daughter. Absalom had one daughter, called Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27) who may have married Uriel, and have had a daughter Maachah. The ξιλιδε (Michaiah) of 2 Chronicles 13:2 must then be an error of the scribe for ξςλδ (Maachah), which is the name found in all other places.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:2
Three years - More strictly, not much more than two years (compare 1 Kings 15:1, 1 Kings 15:9). Any part of a year may, however, in Jewish reckoning, be taken as a year.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:2
ABIJAM’S REIGN, 1 Kings 15:1-9. 2. Three years — As Abijam began to reign in the eighteenth and his son in the twentieth year of Jeroboam, (compare 1 Kings 15:1; 1 Kings 15:9,) his reign must have been less than three full years.