Meshullemeth is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the history of the kings of Judah. She is noted as the wife of King Manasseh and the mother of King Amon. Her account is briefly mentioned in the Second Book of Kings.

Biblical Reference:

Meshullemeth is introduced 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:

Meshullemeth lived during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah. Her husband, Manasseh, was one of the longest-reigning kings of Judah, known for his idolatrous practices and for leading the nation away from the worship of Yahweh. Manasseh's reign is often characterized by the reintroduction of pagan worship, including the worship of Baal and Asherah, and the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Meshullemeth's son, Amon, followed in his father's footsteps, continuing the idolatrous practices during his short reign. Amon's reign lasted only two years before he was assassinated by his own officials, as recorded in 2 Kings 21:23-24: "Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed the king in his palace. But the people of the land struck down all who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place."

Cultural and Theological Significance:

While Meshullemeth herself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, her role as the queen mother during the reigns of Manasseh and Amon places her within the broader context of Judah's spiritual decline during this period. The influence of the queen mother in the royal court was often significant, though the Bible does not provide specific details about Meshullemeth's personal influence or religious inclinations.

Theologically, the period of Manasseh and Amon's reigns is seen as a time of great apostasy in Judah, which eventually led to the nation's downfall and exile. The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the dire consequences of turning away from His commandments.

Genealogical Note:

Meshullemeth is identified as the daughter of Haruz from Jotbah. Jotbah is not extensively mentioned in the Bible, and little is known about Haruz. This brief genealogical note serves to situate Meshullemeth within the historical and familial context of the time.

In summary, Meshullemeth's mention in the Bible, though brief, connects her to a significant period in Judah's history, marked by spiritual decline and the eventual reforms under her grandson, King Josiah. Her life and role, as recorded in the Scriptures, provide insight into the complexities of royal life and the spiritual challenges faced by the nation of Judah.Meshullemeth

(friend), the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah, wife of Manasseh king of Judah, and mother of his successor, Amon. (2 Kings 21:19)

Friend, the wife of Manasseh, and the mother of Amon (2 Kings 21:19), Kings of Judah. MESHULLEMETH

me-shul'-e-meth (meshullemeth): The wife of King Manasseh and mother of Amon (2 Kings 21:19). She is further designated "daughter of Haruz of Jotbah." This is the earliest instance of the birthplace being added to the designation of the queen mother. The name is properly the feminine of the frequently occurring MESHULLAM (which see).

4922. Meshullemeth -- mother of King Amon
... 4921, 4922. Meshullemeth. 4923 . mother of King Amon. Transliteration:
Meshullemeth Phonetic Spelling: (mesh-ool-leh'-meth') Short Definition: Meshullemeth ...
/hebrew/4922.htm - 6kMeshullemeth (1 Occurrence)
...MESHULLEMETH. me-shul'-e-meth (meshullemeth): The wife of King Manasseh and
mother of Amon (2 Kings 21:19). ...Meshullemeth (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/meshullemeth.htm - 7k

Jotbah (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOTBAH. jot'-ba (yoTbah, "pleasantness"): The home
of Meshullemeth, the mother of King Amon, daughter of Haruz (2 Kings 21:19). ...
/j/jotbah.htm - 7k

Meshul'lemeth (1 Occurrence)
Meshul'lemeth. Meshullemeth, Meshul'lemeth. Meshul'lum . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Meshullemeth, Meshul'lemeth. Meshul'lum . Reference Bible
/m/meshul'lemeth.htm - 6k

Meshul'lam (23 Occurrences)
Meshul'lam. Meshullam, Meshul'lam. Meshullemeth . ... (See RSV). Nehemiah 12:33
and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, (See RSV). Meshullam, Meshul'lam. Meshullemeth...
/m/meshul'lam.htm - 12k

Haruz (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Eager, the father of Meshullemeth, the wife of
king Manasseh (2 Kings 21:19) and mother of king Amon. Int. ...
/h/haruz.htm - 7k

Twenty-two (26 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Meshullemeth the daughter ...
/t/twenty-two.htm - 14k

Amon (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign; and he reigned
two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Meshullemeth the daughter ...
/a/amon.htm - 18k

Reigning (57 Occurrences)
... A son of twenty and two years 'is' Amon in his reigning, and two years he hath reigned
in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother 'is' Meshullemeth daughter of ...
/r/reigning.htm - 24k

Queen (59 Occurrences)
... 29:1), the daughter of Zechariah, the mother of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:2); Hephzibah,
the mother of Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1); Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz ...
/q/queen.htm - 44k

Mother (2641 Occurrences)
... 29:1), the daughter of Zechariah, the mother of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:2); Hephzibah,
the mother of Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1); Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz ...
/m/mother.htm - 17k

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