Meshul'lemeth is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the kings of Judah. She is noted as the mother of King Amon of Judah, and her mention provides insight into the royal lineage and familial connections within the Davidic dynasty.

Biblical Reference:

Meshul'lemeth is referenced in 2 Kings 21:19, which states: "Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth daughter of Haruz; she was from Jotbah."

Historical Context:

Meshul'lemeth lived during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah. Her son, Amon, succeeded his father, King Manasseh, one of the longest-reigning and most controversial kings of Judah. Manasseh's reign was marked by idolatry and practices that were considered abominable according to the religious standards of the time. Amon followed in his father's footsteps, continuing the idolatrous practices, which ultimately led to his assassination by his own officials after a short reign of two years.

Family and Lineage:

Meshul'lemeth was the daughter of Haruz from Jotbah. The mention of her father and her place of origin, Jotbah, provides a glimpse into her background, although further details about her life and family are not extensively documented in the biblical text. Her marriage to Manasseh and her role as the mother of Amon places her within the royal household, contributing to the lineage of the kings of Judah.

Theological Significance:

While Meshul'lemeth herself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, her mention underscores the importance of maternal lineage in the royal succession of Judah. The biblical text often highlights the mothers of kings, which may reflect the influence and status of women within the royal court. Her inclusion in the genealogy of the kings of Judah serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of family and leadership in the biblical narrative.

Cultural and Religious Implications:

The period during which Meshul'lemeth lived was characterized by significant religious and cultural challenges. The reigns of Manasseh and Amon were marked by a departure from the worship of Yahweh, as they embraced foreign gods and practices. This era is often viewed as a time of spiritual decline, setting the stage for the reforms of King Josiah, Amon's son, who sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the covenant.

Meshul'lemeth's mention in the Bible, though brief, is part of the larger tapestry of Judah's history, illustrating the complexities of leadership, faith, and family dynamics in the biblical narrative.Meshul'lemeth (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 21:19
Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned two years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.
(See RSV)

Meshul'lemeth (1 Occurrence)
Meshul'lemeth. Meshullemeth, Meshul'lemeth. Meshul'lum . Multi-Version
Concordance Meshul'lemeth (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 21:19 Amon ...
/m/meshul'lemeth.htm - 6k

Meshul'lum (2 Occurrences)
Meshul'lum. Meshul'lemeth, Meshul'lum. Mesobaite . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Meshul'lemeth, Meshul'lum. Mesobaite . Reference Bible.
/m/meshul'lum.htm - 6k

Meshullemeth (1 Occurrence)

/m/meshullemeth.htm - 7k

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