1 Kings 15:10
And forty and one yeeres reigned hee in Ierusalem: and his mothers name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. 1 Kings 15:10 (KJV)
Context: To gain a better understanding of 1 Kings 15:10, it is essential to consider the context in which it is situated. This verse is part of a larger narrative describing the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, focusing on King Asa of Judah and his lineage. King Asa reigned in Jerusalem for forty‑one years and was the third king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of Israel. He succeeded his father, King Abijam, and ruled from approximately 911 BC to 870 BC. Asa is recognized as one of the righteous kings of Judah who sought to restore true worship of God. The verse mentions his mother, Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom, highlighting the importance of lineage in establishing a king’s legitimacy and authority. In biblical times, genealogical records were crucial for historical accuracy and royal legitimacy. The mention of Maachah, identified as the daughter of Abishalom, serves to connect Asa to the broader royal family and underscores the biblical emphasis on bloodlines as a source of political and spiritual authority. Such genealogical details help readers appreciate how the chroniclers of Israel’s history used family connections to validate the right to the throne and to frame the moral character of each ruler. Overall, 1 Kings 15:10 in the King James Version provides insight into King Asa’s reign, his duration of rule, and his maternal lineage, emphasizing the historical context and significance of biblical genealogies.

