What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)? Introduction King Abijah of Judah, a son of Rehoboam, appears in Scripture with two different identifications for his mother: “Micaiah daughter of Uriel of Gibeah” (2 Chronicles 13:2) and “Maacah daughter of Absalom” (2 Chronicles 11:20). At face value, this raises a question of identity, especially since 2 Samuel 14:27 indicates that Absalom had only one daughter, Tamar. A closer look at the genealogical, linguistic, and contextual details across these passages presents a coherent explanation. Below is an exhaustive Bible Encyclopedia / Topical Bible entry clarifying how these scriptural references harmonize without contradiction. Scriptural References 1. 2 Chronicles 13:2: “He reigned in Jerusalem three years, and the name of his mother was Micaiah daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.” 2. 2 Chronicles 11:20: “After her, he took Maacah daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.” 3. 2 Samuel 14:27: “Three sons were born to Absalom, and one daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman.” At first glance, the name of Abijah’s mother is given as “Micaiah” (2 Chronicles 13:2) and also as “Maacah” (2 Chronicles 11:20). Likewise, one passage explicitly calls her a “daughter of Uriel,” whereas the other calls her a “daughter of Absalom,” even though 2 Samuel 14:27 reports that Absalom’s only daughter was Tamar, not Maacah. Possible Name Variations or Alternate Forms The Old Testament text often records individuals using different forms of the same name or multiple names: • “Micaiah” can be spelled as “Micaia,” “Michaiah,” or even shortened in some manuscripts. • “Maacah,” similarly spelled “Maachah,” may be used interchangeably with Micaiah, especially considering Hebrew naming conventions that sometimes adjust or abbreviate personal names. Such variations appear in other genealogies as well, reflecting the broader biblical practice of highlighting relationships through alternative name spellings, nuances in Hebrew vowels, or shortened forms. Genealogical Considerations 1. “Daughter of Absalom” as a Granddaughter In Hebrew usage, the term “daughter” can extend to female descendants beyond direct offspring, covering granddaughters or even great-granddaughters. Since 2 Samuel 14:27 confirms that Absalom’s only named daughter was Tamar, a likely explanation is that Tamar herself became the mother of Maacah (also called Micaiah). Under that scenario: • Absalom → Tamar (his daughter). • Tamar marries Uriel of Gibeah (inferred through 2 Chronicles 13:2). • Maacah/Micaiah (the same person) is then the daughter of Tamar and Uriel. Hence, Maacah (Micaiah) can genuinely be called the “daughter of Absalom,” meaning “granddaughter/descendant of Absalom.” Meanwhile, 2 Chronicles 13:2 more specifically refers to her father as “Uriel of Gibeah.” 2. No Contradiction in Scripture These genealogies often telescope generations; the chronicler in 2 Chronicles 11:20 may have used a generational reference for clarity: “daughter of Absalom” emphasizes royal lineage through David’s line, thus underscoring Abijah’s legitimacy. Meanwhile, naming Uriel in 2 Chronicles 13:2 highlights her immediate paternal lineage. Harmonizing the Passages 1. 2 Chronicles 11:20 – Royal Lineage Emphasis By calling Maacah the “daughter of Absalom,” the chronicler underscores a direct link to the Davidic household. Absalom, a son of King David, strengthens Rehoboam’s tie to the Davidic monarchy through marriage to Absalom’s descendant. 2. 2 Chronicles 13:2 – Paternal Identification Here, Scripture clarifies more specifically that this woman, also named Micaiah, was the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah, giving readers the exact paternal origin. The immediate father was Uriel, but her broader royal lineage sprang from being the granddaughter of Absalom through Tamar’s line. 3. 2 Samuel 14:27 – Absalom’s Daughter Is Tamar Since Tamar is explicitly named as Absalom’s only daughter, the claim in 2 Chronicles 11:20 must involve a later generation. Maacah (also spelled Micaiah) is thus Tamar’s daughter and Absalom’s granddaughter. Through a careful reading of these verses, the name changes and genealogical references are seen to be consistent once one recognizes the ancient Hebrew custom of calling a granddaughter “daughter” and the possibility of multiple name forms or transliterations. Archaeological & Literary Corroboration Although most archaeological evidence focuses on broader events rather than specific maternal lines, various discoveries have confirmed the existence of the Davidic dynasty: • The Tel Dan Stele (9th century BC), though fragmentary, references the “House of David,” indicating the recognized royal family line in the region. • Genealogical telescoping is common in ancient Near Eastern texts. Similar phenomena can be observed in other contemporary records, providing cultural background to how lineage was recorded. These factors reinforce that ancient writers often recorded lineage in a manner consistent with Hebrew genealogical norms. The repeated emphasis on Davidic heritage also helps explain the compressed or generalized description—particularly calling a granddaughter “daughter”—in referencing how Abijah’s mother is linked to Absalom. Conclusion Abijah’s mother is one individual known by two names—Maacah/Micaiah—and the biblical text refers to her both as “the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah” and a “daughter of Absalom.” The perceived discrepancy disappears when considering that “daughter” can denote any female descendant and that she was in fact Absalom’s granddaughter through Tamar. Scripture maintains internal consistency by highlighting both her immediate father (Uriel) and her royal ancestry (Absalom). Thus, to the question “What was the name of King Abijah’s mother?” both Maacah (2 Chronicles 11:20) and Micaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) describe the same woman—a descendant of Absalom, though technically his granddaughter rather than direct daughter. This reflects standard ancient Hebrew genealogical patterns rather than any contradiction within the Scriptures. |
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