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

Biblical References:

Meshullemeth is mentioned 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."

Family Background:

Meshullemeth was the daughter of Haruz and hailed from Jotbah, a location that is not extensively detailed in the biblical text. Her marriage to Manasseh, one of the longest-reigning kings of Judah, places her in a significant position within the royal lineage. Manasseh's reign is noted for its initial period of idolatry and apostasy, which was later followed by repentance and reform. However, the spiritual climate during his reign was complex and tumultuous, which would have influenced the royal household.

Role and Influence:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Meshullemeth's personal life or her influence in the royal court, her position as queen consort during Manasseh's reign and as the mother of Amon suggests she held a role of considerable importance. The spiritual and political environment of Judah during her lifetime was marked by significant religious shifts, as Manasseh initially led the nation into idolatry before his eventual repentance.

Her son, Amon, succeeded Manasseh and continued to reign in a manner that was displeasing to the Lord, as noted in 2 Kings 21:20-22: "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done. He walked in all the ways of his father, and he served and worshiped the idols his father had served. He abandoned the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD."

Cultural and Historical Context:

Meshullemeth lived during a period of significant religious and political upheaval in Judah. The reign of Manasseh is often characterized by its initial departure from the worship of Yahweh, as he introduced foreign gods and practices into the temple in Jerusalem. This period of apostasy was later followed by a return to the worship of Yahweh, but the impact of Manasseh's earlier actions had lasting effects on the kingdom.

As the mother of Amon, Meshullemeth's legacy is intertwined with the continuation of the Davidic line, despite the challenges and failures of her son's short reign. Amon's assassination after only two years on the throne led to the ascension of his son, Josiah, who would become one of Judah's most righteous kings, known for his reforms and return to the covenantal faith.

Significance:

Meshullemeth's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, places her within the broader account of Judah's monarchy and its spiritual journey. Her life and role as queen and mother occurred during a pivotal time in Judah's history, marked by both decline and eventual renewal under her grandson, Josiah. Her account, while not detailed, is a reminder of the complex interplay of family, faith, and leadership in the biblical narrative.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.
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