2023_09_15 Insight Post- Kim Feld

I have noticed an interesting thing in our reading about the kings over the last few weeks: the role of their mothers. The Hebrew word for Queen Mother is gebirah, which differs from the word for Queen, which is malkah. The Queen Mother had an official role and served as an advisor to her son, the King. This practice began with Solomon. Take a look at this verse in 1 Kings 2:19:

¹⁹ When Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, the king stood up to meet her, bowed down to her and sat down on his throne. He had a throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat down at his right hand.

A mother has a powerful influence on her children, and our readings have reminded me that the result can be for good or for evil. The kings we have read about have had multiple wives, which diminishes the role of the Queen. Still, they only have one mother, elevating the part of the Queen Mother. Take a look at 2 Kings 24:15:

¹⁵ Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. He also took from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother, his wives, his officials and the prominent people of the land.

In this instance, we see the Queen Mother among the prominent people Nebuchadnezzar held captive. She was an essential part of his administration. We don’t have much information about most of the Queen Mothers, and it would not necessarily be accurate to say that they were evil just because their sons were or vice versa. But one takeaway is the importance of a mother’s role in the life of her children. We have an opportunity to model what it looks like to follow Christ. And we have a responsibility to do so as well.

Mothering doesn’t just take place with biological children. All women can pour into the lives of those younger and be role models and mentors. We have a lot to learn from each other! As a mom, I’m not sure there is anything better than these words from King David:

Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did. (Psalm 86:16, NIV)

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach