Women in the Bible – Achsah – Daughter of Caleb

Women in the Bible – Achsah – Daughter of Caleb

Joshua 15:16-19 (ESV) And Caleb said, “Whoever strikes Kiriath-sepher and captures it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife.” And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she got off her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.” And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

Judges 1:12-15 (ESV) And Caleb said, “He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.” And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife. When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.” And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

1 Chronicles 2:42-50 (ESV) The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mareshah his firstborn, who fathered Ziph. The son of Mareshah: Hebron. The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem and Shema. Shema fathered Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem fathered Shammai. The son of Shammai: Maon; and Maon fathered Beth-zur. Ephah also, Caleb’s concubine, bore Haran, Moza, and Gazez; and Haran fathered Gazez. The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. Maacah, Caleb’s concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah. She also bore Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. These were the descendants of Caleb.

When Israel came to the banks of the Jordan River, on the verge of entering the land that God had promised when He led them out of Egyptian captivity, Moses sent twelve young men to spy out the land. I’m sure you know the story. If not, look it up. Of the twelve only two came back with a positive report: Joshua and Caleb. After the rest refused to cross over because of the giants in the land, God declared that the entire generation would remain in the wilderness and die, and a new generation would enter the Promised Land.

Caleb would prosper in the new land, Canaan, and his family also prospered. 1 Chronicles 2 lists Caleb’s descendants. One of his daughters is the next Women in the Bibile: Achsah. Her name comes from the Hebrew word ʿaksâ, which means “anklet”. The word can mean a shackle, but it can also mean “a tinkling charm.” Somehow I believe this is more the case with Achsah.

Caleb considered his daughter a prize; so much so that he offered her hand in marriage to anyone who would conquer Kiriath-sepher, a city in Palestine. Othniel did just that. Caleb was about to follow through with his promise, but before the transaction could be finalized his daughter, Achsah, went to her husband-to-be to make sure she would live a good life. She asked “daddy” for a field, and a spring to go with it. He gave her the field, and both the upper and lower spring.

I can totally identify with this scenario. If my daughter asked me for anything I would give it to her. I believe Achsah was a shrewd business woman. Her request was not just a selfish landgrab. She was being sent, by way of Othniel winning her hand, to an arid land. Water would be a major problem for them. Her request was one of need which would give her and her new husband a much better chance at living well and raising their family. We do not know how things turned out for Achsah, but knowing she was a chip off the old block of Caleb, she probably ended well.

Women in the Bible – Abital – One of King David's Wives

Women in the Bible – Abital – One of King David's Wives

2 Samuel 3:2-5 (ESV) And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

1 Chronicles 3:1-4 (ESV) These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite, the third, Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah; six were born to him in Hebron, where he reigned for seven years and six months. And he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

The next Woman in the Bible we will look at is Abital, a wife of David, the King of Israel. Abital comes from the Hebrew word ʾabîṭāl, which means “father of dew”, or “fresh.” She bore David a son, Shephatiah, whose name means “Jah has judged.” Very little is known about either Abital or her son. There are only the two references, cited above, mentioned in scripture.

All we know is Abital was a relative of Jesus, by way of her marriage to King David. She was part of the Tribe of Judah by marriage. We know much about many members of David’s family, mostly because of all the drama that tended to surround him. Son’s trying to overthrow his reign, killing other members of the family, etc. The fact that we never hear of Abital, or her son, Shephatiah, speaks volumes. They never caused the issues that landed others in David’s story recorded in scripture.

It brings to mind an interesting question. If there were a written account of your family history, how would you be remembered? Would you be a prominent figure that accomplished great feats? Would you be the reason for shame among your relatives? Or, perhaps you might be like Abital, that lived her life in the King’s house, raised a responsible son, and never caused anyone to speak of her in the narrative of David’s life? I think we spend too much time trying to build a legacy instead of living our lives. Let us take note of Abital and realize it’s not the headlines that define us. Sometimes, it’s the lack thereof.

Women in the Bible – Abishag – Concubine of Aged King David

Women in the Bible – Abishag – Concubine of Aged King David

1 Kings 1:1-4 (ESV) Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not.

Today we look at Abishag. Her name comes from the Hebrew word ʾabîshag, which means “father of error.” I’m intrigued by some of the names of the women mentioned in scripture. The “ab” prefix in Hebrew means “father.” These are women, yet called names meaning father.

How would you feel about yourself having grown up being called “error”? In our Western mindset we do not think of these things because name meanings have for the most part become a thing of the past. That is unfortunate. It could be that Abishag was not a “planned” pregnancy. It could be that she was born out outside of marriage. Regardless of her origin, she turned out to be a beautiful woman; so beautiful in fact that she was chosen from all women to serve King David. David was old and never had sex with Abishag. She, however, remained faithful to David, even until his death.

As I mentioned, she was beautiful. David’s son, Adonijah, decided he wanted Abishag as his wife.

1 Kings 2:13-18 (ESV) Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, “Do you come peacefully?” He said, “Peacefully.” Then he said, “I have something to say to you.” She said, “Speak.” He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign. However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother’s, for it was his from the LORD. And now I have one request to make of you; do not refuse me.” She said to him, “Speak.” And he said, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”

Bathsheba agreed to speak with her son, Solomon, who was now King of Israel after David’s death. He loved his father, David. He also knew that Abonijah had secretly tried to take the throne, even though Solomon was the rightful heir.

1 Kings 2:19-23 (ESV) So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And the king rose to meet her and bowed down to her. Then he sat on his throne and had a seat brought for the king’s mother, and she sat on his right. Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as his wife.” King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.” Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life!

Abishag was indeed a woman of intrigue. She was faithful in her service to King David, simply to keep him warm in his old age. Men died trying to own her. She was content to serve her king until he died. We’re not told what happened to Abishag after David’s death. My guess is, based on his response to Adonijah, Solomon took care of her the rest of her life.

I’ve seen old people die. There is nothing more important to them than to know someone will be with them in the end. I’m sure the fear of the unknown, or perhaps just the regrets from a life lived, increases the desire to have someone close by to help them make the transition from life to death. Abishag gave that to David, and it blessed him.

Women in the Bible – Abihail – wife of Abishur and Mother of Ahban and Molid

Women in the Bible – Abihail – wife of Abishur and Mother of Ahban and Molid

1 Chronicles 2:29 (ESV) The name of Abishur’s wife was Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid.

This is the second woman named Abihail that is found in the Bible. We know less about her than most of the women mentioned in scripture. As I stated early on, she is apparently is mentioned for a reason. I don’t think there are wasted words in the Bible.

Abihail, as we saw last time, means “father (i.e. possessor) of might.” She was married to Abishur, a wall builder. They had two sons, who most likely followed their father’s craft of wall-building.

Walls are many times considered negative things in our culture. We see them as a means of dividing, isolating, etc. However, in the time of Abihail and Abishur walls were a matter of life and death. Walls were very important. Whenever a city was established they would build walls to keep them safe from intruders.

Nothing much is said of Abihail. 1 Chronicles 2:29 contains the only reference to her in scripture. She is not known for having a miraculous angelic encounter. She did not aid a foreign army in overthrowing a city. All we know is she was married to one of the grandsons of Judah and bore two sons.

Abihail could be anyone. It is much more the norm in the life of Believers to have an un-extraordinary life. It is only within the past few decades that the “Super Christian, Everyone Was Made for Greatness” theology came into the church. I believe it has caused great harm to many, leaving them with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. This is so far removed from the teachings of Jesus. Abihail is given to us as someone who married a descendant of Judah, a distant relative of both King David and King Jesus. No fanfare. No extensive resume. Just a mom and a wife.

Somehow we can all take comfort in knowing Abihail was known by God.

Women in the Bible – Abihail – mother of Zuriel, chief of the house of Merari

Women in the Bible – Abihail – mother of Zuriel, chief of the house of Merari

Numbers 3:33-37 (ESV) To Merari belonged the clan of the Mahlites and the clan of the Mushites: these are the clans of Merari. Their listing according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward was 6,200. And the chief of the fathers’ house of the clans of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. And the appointed guard duty of the sons of Merari involved the frames of the tabernacle, the bars, the pillars, the bases, and all their accessories; all the service connected with these; also the pillars around the court, with their bases and pegs and cords.

When you are young many things go through your mind. Thoughts of what could be. How will you spend your life? What accomplishments will mark your path through this world? Abihail’s life was spent in the wilderness. She most likely was born during the captivity of Egypt. Life as a slave girl was not easy. Her Hebrew name, ʾabîhayil, which means “father (i.e. possessor) of might” indicated she may have had a strong will that would help her through some very difficult times.

She crossed the Red Sea on dry land. She saw the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud. She went out each day and gathered manna for her family during their years in the wilderness. As part of the band of Hebrews travelling through the wilderness their days were pretty much the same. She was married to someone from the Tribe of Levi, and thus served in the priesthood and tended to the Tabernacle. Specifically, they were responsible for “the frames of the Tabernacle, the bars, the pillars, the bases, and all their accessories; also the pillars around the court, with their bases and pegs and cords. ”There is no way Abihail could have ever imagined she would be part of a crew that erected a tent in the wilderness day in and day out, traveling as nomads. I can totally identify.

Growing up I never imagined I would be a computer programmer. There were no PCs, Macs, or any other form of personal computers. There were no gaming systems. I had never even seen a computer until I was in college. I took typing in high school, but every day in class I wondered why. “I’ll have a secretary. I don’t need to know how to type.” After my first year in college I worked with a band of brothers hauling hay. I worked on a pig farm. I learned to drive a tractor, back a trailer, slaughter a hog, and work a garden. None of these were ever on my “bucket list” as a child. It was not until years later that I understood, at least in part, why I had some of these life experiences. I was called to the Ministry of Helps. Most everything I learned came in handy when I went into full-time ministry.

Abihail probably knew how to do many things. Helping was probably at the top of that list. I imagine her being a source of encouragement and a steadfast rock for her children, husband, and others in the close family. Of course, we may never know fully what impact she had on the lives of those in her world. But, God mentioned her in His Book. I’m very glad. It lets me know that God knows the importance of those living a seemingly mundane existence. However, Abihail and her family played an important role in the development of a nation, Israel, that would one day produce the Messiah, Jesus, who would change everyone’s life forever.

Never underestimate the significance of your role in life. If you are a Believer, you have purpose. Your gifts and abilities are important to God, and needed by every other Believer. You are part of a Body. There are no “unneeded” parts of a body. Do what you do, and do it well, so that God will be glorified and you will be edified.

Even if it’s just putting up a tent!