Ahinoam (Hastings' Dictionary)
- Daughter of Ahimaaz and the ^vile of Saul (1 S H**). 2. Ahinoam the Jezreelitess was one of the two women — Abigail being the other — whom David marrie<l after Miclial ha<l been taken from him. A. and Abigail were both with David while he Bojoumcd with Achish at Gath, and were sub- sequently at Ziklag ; from the latter city they were carried oir by the Amalekites, but rescued by David and his men (1 S 30"). After Saul's death A. and Abigail went up to Hebron with David, and there A. gave birth to David's firstborn, Amnon ( 1 S 25" 27» 30», 2 S 2« 3', 1 Ch 3'). G. B. Gray.
This topic also has an entry in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Both articles offer independent scholarly perspectives.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on Ahinoam
Ahinoam a-hi-no'-am, a-hin'-o-am ('achino`am, "my brother is pleasantness"): ⇒See a list of verses on AHINOAM in the Bible. (1) Daughter of Ahimaaz, and wife of King Saul (1Sa 14:50). (2) The woman from Jezreel whom David married after Saul gave Michal to another husband. She and Abigail, the widow of Nabal, seem to have been David's only wives prior to the beginning of his reign in Hebron. His marriage to Abigail is mentioned first, with some details, followed by the statement, easily to be understood in the pluperfect, that he had previously married Ahinoam (1Sa 25:39-44). Three times they are mentioned together, Ahinoam always first (1Sa 27:3; 30:5; 2Sa 2:2), and Ahinoam is the mother of David's first son and Abigail of his second (2Sa 3:2; 1Ch 3:1). Ahinoam's son was Amnon. The record really represents David's polygamy as a series of bids for political influence; the names of Amnon, Absalom, Adonijah suggest that the method was not finally a success. ⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia. Willis J. Beecher
Smith's Bible Dictionary on Ahinoam
(brother of grace, i.e. gracious). The daughter of Ahimaaz and wife of Saul. (1 Samuel 14:50) (B.C. about 1090.) A native of Jezreel who was married to David during his wandering life. (1 Samuel 25:43) (B.C. 1060.) She lived with him and his other wife Abigail at the court of Achish, (1 Samuel 27:3) was taken prisoner with her by the Amalekites when they plundered Ziklag, (1 Samuel 30:5) but was rescued by David. (1 Samuel 30:18)
Fausset's Bible Dictionary on Ahinoam
("brother of grace", i.e. "graceful".) Of Jezreel. David's wife; along with Abigail, accompanied him to Achish's court (1Sa 25:43; 1Sa 27:3). Taken by the Amalekites at Ziklag, but rescued by David (1 Samuel 30). With him when king in Hebron (2Sa 2:2; 2Sa 3:2). Mother of Amnon. Beauty was David's snare; the children consequently had more of outward than inward grace.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Easton, M.G. (1893) Easton's Bible Dictionary. 3rd edn. Thomas Nelson. [Public Domain]
- Nave, O.J. (1897) Nave's Topical Bible. Topical Bible Publishing Co.. [Public Domain]
- Hastings, J. (ed.) (1909) A Dictionary of the Bible. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Smith, W. (ed.) (1884) Smith's Bible Dictionary. London: John Murray. [Public Domain]
- Fausset, A.R. (1878) Fausset's Bible Dictionary. [Public Domain]A Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopaedia