Maacah
Pronounced MAY-uh-kuh
- Meaning
- "Oppression; Depression; Pressed down"
- Origin
- Hebrew
Maacah means "oppression" or "pressed down" in Hebrew. This name was borne by multiple biblical figures of both genders — including one of David's wives, the mother of Absalom, and a grandmother of King Asa who was removed from her position as queen mother. The most historically significant Maacah was the mother (or grandmother) of King Asa of Judah. She "had made an idol in a grove," and Asa demonstrated remarkable courage by deposing her from her royal position: "Also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it at the brook Kidron." This act — a king removing his own mother from power for idolatry — is cited as evidence of Asa's sincere devotion to God. It demonstrates that faithfulness sometimes requires painful decisions within one's own family. Maacah was also the name of a small Aramean kingdom near Mount Hermon, and Caleb's concubine. The name's widespread use across both genders and multiple time periods reflects its common status in ancient Israel.
Spiritual meaning
Maacah's story — removed from power by her own grandson for idolatry — teaches that no family relationship should protect what dishonors God. Asa's courage to confront even his grandmother models radical faithfulness.
Related verses (KJV)
"And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it at the brook Kidron."
1 Kings 15:13 (KJV) →"And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah."
2 Samuel 3:3 (KJV) →