Blessed be the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome once again as we study the words of life from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
There is a common reality observed in many families: sons often develop a deeper emotional attachment to their mothers, while daughters tend to bond more closely with their fathers. Although this is not true in every situation, it is a widely recognized pattern across cultures and generations.
Interestingly, the Bible also reveals this reality through repeated references to parental influence—particularly the influence of mothers on their sons, especially sons who later became leaders and kings.
Let us examine several biblical examples.
1. KING ZEDEKIAH
“Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.”
— Jeremiah 52:1
Scripture continues:
“He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done.” (Jeremiah 52:2)
The Bible deliberately mentions his mother’s name, then immediately speaks of his rebellion and downfall. This pattern is not accidental.
2. KING REHOBOAM (SON OF SOLOMON)
“Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he became king… His mother’s name was Naamah; she was an Ammonite.”
— 1 Kings 14:21
“Judah did evil in the eyes of the LORD and aroused his jealous anger…” (1 Kings 14:22)
Though Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David, his reign was marked by spiritual decline. His mother’s foreign, idolatrous background is intentionally highlighted, revealing how maternal influence can shape a son’s spiritual direction.
3. KING ABIJAH (ABIJAM)
“He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Maakah daughter of Abishalom.”
— 1 Kings 15:2
“He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD…” (1 Kings 15:3)
4. KING AHAZIAH
“Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king… His mother’s name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri king of Israel.”
— 2 Kings 8:26
“He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done.” (2 Kings 8:27)
Athaliah herself later became one of the most wicked women in biblical history (2 Kings 11). Her influence corrupted her son spiritually.
Other Examples
You may also read about:
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King Jotham (2 Kings 15:33)
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King Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1–2)
In each case, Scripture carefully records the mother’s identity, linking moral direction to maternal influence.
Not Only Kings
This principle applies beyond royalty. In Leviticus 24:10–14, a young man—son of an Israelite mother—blasphemed the Name of the LORD and was executed. Again, maternal identity is emphasized, revealing how early influence shapes later conduct.
MOTHERS OF RIGHTEOUS KINGS
Not all stories are negative. Many godly kings were righteous because of their mothers.
KING JEHOSHAPHAT
“His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.”
— 1 Kings 22:42
“He walked in all the ways of his father Asa and did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” (v.43)
KING JOASH
“His mother’s name was Zibiah from Beersheba.”
— 2 Kings 12:1–2
“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”
KING UZZIAH (AZARIAH)
“His mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.”
— 2 Kings 15:2–3
“He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD…”
WHY ARE MOTHERS MENTIONED MORE THAN FATHERS?
This raises an important theological question:
Why does Scripture frequently associate a son’s destiny with his mother rather than his father?
The answer lies in the unique spiritual and emotional bond between a mother and her son. God has entrusted mothers with a powerful formative role. When this bond is misused or neglected, it can directly damage a son’s destiny. When it is stewarded well, it can establish righteousness for generations.
A WORD TO MOTHERS
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If you reject God and live worldly values, your son is more likely to follow that path.
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If you fear the Lord, seek His presence, love His Word, and reject evil, your son is far more likely to do the same.
“What you model is what you multiply.”
PRACTICAL BIBLICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MOTHER
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Take your children to church regularly
Even if the father does not, the impact of a mother is lasting. -
Teach them the Word of God
“These commandments… impress them on your children.” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
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Teach them how to pray
“Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6)
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Praise them for godliness more than worldly success
A mother’s voice carries extraordinary spiritual weight.
A WORD TO SONS
If your mother teaches you the ways of God, listen to her.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 1:8)
Rejecting godly maternal instruction often leads to lifelong spiritual instability.
There is a worldly proverb that says:
“He who refuses to be taught by his mother will be taught by the world.”
Though worldly in origin, it reflects a deep truth.
FINAL EXHORTATION
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
Mother, shape your son in righteousness.
Son, honor and heed godly counsel.
Maranatha!
The Lord is coming.