Name Meaning:
Abishalom, meaning "father of peace," is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the royal lineage of the Kingdom of Judah.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Kings 15:1-2 :
"In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam son of Nebat, Abijam became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom."

This passage introduces Abishalom as the grandfather of Abijam (also known as Abijah), who was a king of Judah. Abishalom is identified as the father of Maacah, making him part of the royal lineage.

2. 2 Chronicles 11:20-21 :
"After her, he married Maacah daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith. Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than all his other wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and he fathered twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters."

Although this passage refers to Maacah as the daughter of Absalom, it is widely understood that "Absalom" here is a variant of "Abishalom," indicating the same individual. This highlights the connection between Abishalom and the royal family through Maacah, who was a favored wife of Rehoboam, the king of Judah.

Historical Context:

Abishalom is a figure associated with the royal family of Judah during the divided monarchy period. His mention in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and familial connections in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Davidic dynasty. The name Abishalom itself, meaning "father of peace," may reflect the aspirations or characteristics attributed to his lineage, although the historical details of his life are not extensively documented in the biblical text.

Genealogical Significance:

Abishalom's significance primarily lies in his role as an ancestor within the royal lineage of Judah. His daughter Maacah's marriage to Rehoboam and her position as the mother of Abijam (Abijah) places Abishalom within the genealogical framework that traces the Davidic line, which is central to the biblical narrative concerning the kings of Judah.1 Kings 15:2,10
Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. and his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
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