What is the significance of naming the mothers of the kings in Old Testament, of both Judah & Israel?
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Asked April 14 2015
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Norman Garwood
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Galen Smith
It is always difficult to judge the motives or reasons that others do things, especially when the “other” is God. I do not presume to have insight into the mind of God other than what the Holy Spirit reveals. Therefore my answer is a reasonable postulation, not a dogmatic proclamation. In Israel, as in many ancient eastern cultures, the position of “Queen Mother” was one of honor, prestige, and sometimes influence. In some cases, she seems to have worn a crown and sat upon a throne, as did her son the king (Jeremiah 13:18). In the case of Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, she had enough power to wrest the monarchy from the rightful heir, Joash, for six or seven years (2 Kings 11). It is likely that the mothers of the kings are named because of the place of honor they held. Another factor that may account for this is the importance of ancestry in a monarchian culture. In many countries today, like the USA, we do not choose our highest ruler based on lineage, but on a vote. Therefore their ancestry is not so important. But in a monarchy, the ruler is usually based on his (or her) lineage, and right to assume the throne. So, it may be that this contributed to the practice of naming the mother of the new king, as well as his father. A few scholars have suggested that ancient Judah may have had a sort of matriarchal system that involved ascension to the throne on the basis of the mother’s line and the father’s line. This view is not widely held, and in my opinion the former two suggestions are far more likely.
Gene Coleman
In today's society mothers are recognized as having significant importance & impact on their sons beliefs and many times play a big part in shaping their sons into the kind of adult men they will become. It in my opinion has always been that way and will continue to be that way I the future. Most time the better or good Kings had either a mother or grandmother who helped provide a good influence on them as youths. The opposite is also true. So men need understand and appreciate that wife's they choose will major impact on not only their children, but generations to come.
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