Abihail, Daughter of Eliab

Background and Family

Abihail’s lineage is explicitly traced in the Chronicler’s account to provide a clear link between the reign of Rehoboam and the house of Jesse. She was the daughter of Eliab, the firstborn son of Jesse and the eldest brother of King David. This lineage placed her in the generation of David’s nieces. The BSB identifies Mahalath as the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, while the KJV reads Abihail as another wife of Rehoboam. Because Jerimoth and Abihail are named as Mahalath’s parents, their marriage is inferred rather than expressly stated.

Major Life Events

The biblical record does not preserve individual deeds or speeches attributed to Abihail. Her primary historical role is recorded in the context of the family of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Abihail was the mother of Mahalath. The record in 2 Chronicles 11:18 says that Rehoboam married Mahalath, making Abihail his mother-in-law.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Abihail’s life is defined by her proximity to the central figures of the Judean monarchy. Her father, Eliab, is well-known in the biblical narrative for being the brother whom the prophet Samuel initially thought would be king (1 Samuel 16:6-7). As Mahalath’s mother, Abihail connected Eliab’s family to the household of Rehoboam through Mahalath’s marriage.

Spiritual Significance

While the text is silent on her personal character, Abihail’s presence in the genealogy identifies Mahalath’s maternal line within the house of Jesse. By naming Abihail as Eliab’s daughter and Mahalath’s mother, the Chronicler preserves her place in the extended family of David.