Topical Bible: Polygamy: Rehoboam

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Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and Naamah the Ammonite, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of polygamy. As the first king of the divided kingdom of Judah, Rehoboam's reign is marked by both political and familial complexities, including his practice of polygamy, which was a continuation of the tradition established by his father, Solomon.

Biblical Context

Rehoboam's polygamous relationships are documented in 2 Chronicles 11:18-23. The passage details his marriages and the children born to him through these unions. Rehoboam married Mahalath, the daughter of Jerimoth, son of David, and Abihail, the daughter of Eliab, son of Jesse. He also married Maacah, the daughter of Absalom, who became his favorite wife. Through these marriages, Rehoboam fathered numerous children, including Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.

2 Chronicles 11:21 states, "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." This verse highlights the extent of Rehoboam's polygamous relationships and the large family that resulted from them.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

Polygamy was a common practice among the ancient Near Eastern monarchies, often used to secure political alliances and ensure the continuation of royal lineage. Rehoboam's marriages likely served similar purposes, strengthening his political position and consolidating power within the kingdom of Judah. The practice of polygamy among Israelite kings, including Rehoboam, reflects the broader cultural norms of the time, although it often led to familial strife and complications.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Rehoboam's polygamy can be examined in light of biblical teachings on marriage. While polygamy was practiced by several key figures in the Old Testament, it often led to discord and was not part of God's original design for marriage. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh," indicating the ideal of monogamous union.

Rehoboam's polygamous lifestyle, like that of his father Solomon, may have contributed to the spiritual and moral challenges faced during his reign. The divided loyalties and rivalries among his wives and children could have exacerbated the internal conflicts within the kingdom, as seen in the subsequent history of Judah.

Legacy and Influence

Rehoboam's practice of polygamy and the resulting familial dynamics had lasting effects on the kingdom of Judah. His son Abijah, born to Maacah, succeeded him as king, continuing the Davidic line. However, the complexities of Rehoboam's family life, influenced by his multiple marriages, set a precedent for future generations and highlighted the potential pitfalls of polygamy as recorded in the biblical narrative.

In summary, Rehoboam's polygamy is a reflection of the cultural practices of his time and provides insight into the challenges faced by the kings of Israel and Judah. His account serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of deviating from the biblical ideal of monogamous marriage.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 11:18-23
And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Fall of Solomon
... Solomon's unbridled and monstrous polygamy sapped his manhood and his principle,
darkened ... on Solomon, and the consequences of Solomon's evil fall on Rehoboam. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm

The Israelites
... were troubled by revolts which had their origin partly in the polygamy in which ... Five
years after the accession of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, the kingdom of ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm