The term "King's Mother" refers to the mother of a reigning king in the biblical context, often holding a position of significant influence and authority within the royal court. This role is particularly noted in the monarchies of ancient Israel and Judah, where the king's mother, or "queen mother," could wield considerable power and impact the governance and spiritual direction of the nation.

Role and Influence

The king's mother often held a formal position within the royal hierarchy, sometimes even being listed among the king's officials. Her influence could extend to political, social, and religious spheres. The Bible provides several examples of king's mothers who played pivotal roles in the history of Israel and Judah.

Notable Examples

1. Bathsheba: The mother of King Solomon, Bathsheba is one of the most prominent examples of a king's mother in the Bible. Her influence is evident in the narrative of Solomon's accession to the throne. In 1 Kings 1:11-31, Bathsheba plays a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's succession, demonstrating her political acumen and influence over King David. Solomon's respect for her is further illustrated in 1 Kings 2:19, where he rises to meet her, bows down, and has a throne set for her at his right hand.

2. Maacah: The mother of King Asa of Judah, Maacah is another significant figure. Despite her initial influence, Asa removed her from her position as queen mother because she had made an idolatrous image (1 Kings 15:13). This action underscores the potential for both positive and negative influence that a king's mother could exert.

3. Jezebel: Although not a king's mother in the traditional sense, Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab and mother of King Ahaziah and King Joram, exemplifies the powerful and often detrimental influence a royal mother could have. Her promotion of Baal worship and opposition to the prophets of Yahweh had lasting negative effects on the spiritual state of Israel (1 Kings 16:31-33).

4. Athaliah: The mother of King Ahaziah of Judah, Athaliah is a unique case as she seized the throne herself after her son's death, ruling as queen for six years (2 Kings 11:1-3). Her reign is marked by violence and idolatry, highlighting the potential for a king's mother to directly impact the nation's leadership.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The role of the king's mother is often mentioned in the context of the king's reign, indicating her importance. For instance, the biblical accounts frequently note the name of the king's mother when introducing a new king (e.g., 1 Kings 14:21, 2 Kings 12:1). This practice underscores her recognized status and potential influence on the king's character and policies.

In Proverbs 31, traditionally attributed to King Lemuel's mother, the king's mother is portrayed as a source of wisdom and guidance. The passage provides a model of virtuous womanhood and leadership, suggesting the ideal role a king's mother could play in shaping her son's reign.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the king's mother can be seen as a symbol of the nurturing and guiding role that maternal figures can play in the spiritual and moral development of leaders. Her influence, whether for good or ill, serves as a reminder of the importance of godly counsel and the impact of familial relationships on leadership and governance.

In summary, the king's mother in the biblical narrative is a multifaceted figure whose influence can shape the course of a nation's history. Her role underscores the importance of maternal guidance and the potential for both positive and negative impacts on the spiritual and political life of Israel and Judah.King's Mother

KING'S MOTHER

The queen-dowager occupied a very important position at the court of the kings of Israel, e.g. Bathsheba (1 Kings 2:19); Maacah (1 Kings 15:13); Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:2); and Nehushta (2 Kings 24:8 Jeremiah 13:18).

See QUEEN; QUEEN MOTHER.

Whether the Mother of God Should be Worshipped with the Adoration ...
... 1: It would seem that the Mother of God is to be worshiped with the adoration of
"latria." For it seems that the same honor is due to the king's mother as to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mother of god.htm

Asa
... panderers. The leading spirit of the court-circle was Maachah, "the King's
mother," as she is called"the Sultana Valide. She was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/asa.htm

The King's Charge to his Ambassadors
... He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he ... in which
they live, for the purpose of bringing it into subjection to its true King. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings charge to his.htm

How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His
... 2. But Adonijah, who, while his father was living, attempted to gain possession
of the government, came to the king's mother Bathsheba, and saluted her with ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how solomon when.htm

How Helena the Queen of Adiabene and Her Son Izates, Embraced the ...
... 5. But as to Helena, the king's mother, when she saw that the affairs of Izates's
kingdom were in peace, and that her son was a happy man, and admired among ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how helena the.htm

How Herod Slew Sohemus and Mariamne and Afterward Alexandra and ...
... what he had done to her relations, and she ventured to speak of all they had suffered
by him, and at last greatly provoked both the king's mother and sister ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how herod slew.htm

And Disputes
... A little after this the Abbess of Fontevrault came to see him. The King's mother
Eleanor, her guest, had been sent for in a hurry. The king had been hurt. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vii name disputes.htm

King David's Little Boy.
... After a week of suffering the little one passed away in the hushed room of the king's
palace at Jerusalem, and the weeping mother was led away from the bedside ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/king davids little boy.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ...
... And yet those guests of the Householder at the King's marriage, were not I suppose ...
One father was made for us; not even two, father and mother: one father, I ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xl on the words.htm

Two by Two.
... The king's feast ended in gloom, and the poor girl, who only obeyed her wicked mother,
had nothing but a dreadful memory to keep forever as the king's gift. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii two by two.htm

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