Hamu'tal is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives of the Books of Kings and Chronicles. She is recognized as a queen and the mother of two kings of Judah, playing a significant role in the royal lineage during a tumultuous period in the history of the southern kingdom.

Biblical References:

Hamu'tal is first introduced in 2 Kings 23:31 and 2 Kings 24:18, as well as in Jeremiah 52:1. These passages provide insight into her familial connections and her influence within the royal court:

· 2 Kings 23:31 : "Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah."

· 2 Kings 24:18 : "Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah."

· Jeremiah 52:1 : "Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah."

Family and Background:

Hamu'tal was the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah, not to be confused with the prophet Jeremiah. Her marriage to King Josiah of Judah positioned her within the royal family, and she bore him at least two sons who would ascend to the throne: Jehoahaz and Zedekiah. Her lineage and connections highlight the political alliances and familial ties that were significant in the governance and stability of the kingdom.

Role and Influence:

As the mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, Hamu'tal's influence would have been considerable, especially during the reigns of her sons. Jehoahaz's reign was brief, lasting only three months before he was deposed by Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt and taken into captivity. Zedekiah, on the other hand, reigned for eleven years, during which Judah faced significant challenges, including the Babylonian siege and eventual destruction of Jerusalem.

Hamu'tal's position as queen mother would have afforded her a degree of authority and involvement in court affairs, although the biblical texts do not provide extensive details about her personal actions or influence. Her presence in the narrative underscores the importance of maternal figures in the dynastic succession and the political landscape of ancient Judah.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Hamu'tal's life and her sons' reigns occurred during a critical period in Judah's history, marked by political instability and external threats. The fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile were pivotal events that shaped the theological and cultural identity of the Jewish people. Hamu'tal's legacy, through her sons, is intertwined with these significant historical developments.

In a theological context, the reigns of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah, both sons of Hamu'tal, are often viewed through the lens of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The narratives surrounding their rule serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the impact of leadership on the spiritual and national well-being of the people of Israel.Hamu'tal (3 Occurrences)

2 Kings 23:31
Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
(See RSV)

2 Kings 24:18
Zedekiah was twenty and one years old when he began to reign; and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 52:1
A son of twenty and one years 'is' Zedekiah in his reigning, and eleven years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother 'is' Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
(See RSV)

Hamu'tal (3 Occurrences)
Hamu'tal. Hamutal, Hamu'tal. Hanameel . Multi-Version Concordance
Hamu'tal (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and ...
/h/hamu'tal.htm - 7k

Hamutal (3 Occurrences)

/h/hamutal.htm - 8k

Hanameel (4 Occurrences)

/h/hanameel.htm - 8k

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