Name Meaning: The name "Abishalom" is derived from the Hebrew words "abi," meaning "father," and "shalom," meaning "peace." Thus, Abishalom can be translated as "father of peace."

Biblical References: Abishalom is mentioned in the context of the genealogies and family connections of the kings of Judah. He is noted as the father of Maacah, who became the wife of King Rehoboam and the mother of King Abijah.

1. 1 Kings 15:1-2 : "In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijah became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom."

2. 2 Chronicles 11:20-21 : "After her, he married Maacah daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than all his other wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, twenty-eight sons, and sixty daughters."

Genealogical Context: Abishalom is identified as the father of Maacah, who is sometimes referred to as "Maacah daughter of Absalom" in the biblical text. This has led to some confusion, as Absalom, the son of King David, is also mentioned in similar contexts. It is possible that "Abishalom" is an alternate form or a variant of the name "Absalom," or it may refer to a different individual altogether. The genealogical records in the books of Kings and Chronicles often highlight the lineage and familial connections of the Judean monarchy, emphasizing the importance of royal bloodlines.

Historical and Cultural Context: The mention of Abishalom in the genealogies of the kings of Judah underscores the significance of family ties and alliances in the ancient Near Eastern royal courts. Marriages were often arranged to strengthen political alliances and secure the throne's stability. Maacah's marriage to Rehoboam and her position as the mother of Abijah highlight her importance in the royal lineage, and by extension, the significance of her father, Abishalom.

Theological Implications: The brief mention of Abishalom in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the complex familial and political dynamics that characterized the history of Israel and Judah. The genealogies not only trace the lineage of the kings but also reflect the fulfillment of God's promises and the unfolding of His plan through the Davidic line. The name "Abishalom," meaning "father of peace," may also carry a theological nuance, pointing to the ideal of peace and stability that was often sought but rarely achieved in the turbulent history of the Israelite monarchies.Abish'alom (2 Occurrences)

1 Kings 15:2
Three years reigned he in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 15:10
And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom.
(See RSV)

Abish'alom (2 Occurrences)
Abish'alom. Abishalom, Abish'alom. Abishua . Multi-Version Concordance
Abish'alom (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 15:2 Three years reigned ...
/a/abish'alom.htm - 6k

Abishua (5 Occurrences)

/a/abishua.htm - 8k

Abishalom (2 Occurrences)

/a/abishalom.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus