Matthew 1 - The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus Christ
Genealogy was very important to the Jews. It make a connection with the past as well as the future. The genealogy of Jesus will show that He has the right to claim the title Messiah in His early years as well as the King of Kings in His later years.
1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Genealogy was very important to the Jews. It make a connection with the past as well as the future. The genealogy of Jesus will show that He has the right to claim the title Messiah in His early years as well as the King of Kings in His later years (the second advent). These are the ancestors of Christ, a descendant of King David and Abraham. Joseph (Jesus' legal father), would be the connection between Jesus and King David. Mary's genealogy can be found in (Luke 1:5-36, Luke 3). Mary's mother was of the tribe of Levi, and her father was of the tribe of Judah. (Here we have both the Levitical priest line and the Tribe of Judah king line).
2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; Here we have Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Jacob being the father of Judah and his brothers).
3And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; Tamar would be the first women mentioned in the genealogy. Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah. (Genesis 38). She was the wife of Judah’s son, and that son was wicked, God put him to death. History kept repeating and Tamar was doubtful she would get a child since Judah was hesitant to give his youngest son to her. So, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and waited for Judah to come by. Judah falls for the trick and in that encounter, Tamar becomes pregnant by her father-in-law. She gives birth to Perez and Zerah. Perez (Ruth 4:18), was the child that would be in the line of the Messiah.
4And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; (Ruth 4:19-20).
5And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; Rahab, the second women mentioned in the genealogy was the prostitute from Canaan who lived in Jericho. Remember the two spies sent out by Joshua. Rahab was the one who kept them safe and hid them from the enemy. (Joshua 2:1-22). Remembered as one of the great women of faith. (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25).
6And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; Note: Christ's genealogy did not come through Solomon as many would believe. Although it commonly is known that Jesus was a biological descendant of David, most also assume that He was a biological descendant of Solomon, which is not the case. Joseph, Jesus' step-father, was a biological descendant of Solomon. But since Jesus was not the biological son of Joseph, then He was not a biological descendant of Solomon. Note: The wife of Uriah was Bathsheba. She was the one taking a bath on the rooftop and David seen her. (2 Samuel 11:2-3). David had to have her, and he did. She was the mother of Solomon through an adulterous relationship. Would this girl be trouble for David? (Well, she would be the one David commits murder for).
7And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; Lets skip down to verse 11 to continue.
8And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
9And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
10And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
11And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: This would be the time of the exile to Babylon. Jechonias = Jeconiah, the last king mentioned here. Here is a prophecy by Jeremiah about Jeconiah. Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah. (Jeremiah 22:30). As to the throne, not one of his sons (1 Chronicles 3:17-18), sat upon his throne. There would be a legal line from Jeconiah to Joseph, but Jesus was not a biological descendant of Jeconiah. (Jesus would be born of Mary).
12And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; This would be after the exile. Skip down to verse 16.
13And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
14And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
15And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Mary being the mother of Jesus Christ the Messiah. (Mary's genealogy can be found in Luke 1:5-36). Matthew also wants us to see that Jesus is the promised Royal Messiah and Davidic King. He receives His royal birthright through Joseph, "the husband of Mary," and a "descendant of King David." Note: Joseph was only the father of Jesus by adoption. (Luke 3:23), "as was supposed" the son of Joseph. As was supposed meaning by law or in-law.
17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Three periods in this place. (All fourteen generations), Matthew making the connection which begins with Abraham and ends with David, then finally points to Christ.
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. On the wise meaning this is how it happened. The marriage between Joseph and Marry was arranged and they were kind of engaged, but kind of like married. However, their marriage was not consummated yet and Marry was found to be with child. (This would appear that Marry was not pure and the marriage could be annulled).
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. Was minded: An attempted assault by Satan. Joseph was not going to marry her because of what happened, but he was going to do it quietly, as not to hurt Mary's reputation.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. The angel explained to Joseph what had happened. (She conceived through the Holy Spirit).
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Yashua Messiah (Joshua in English), Yahaveh (salvation in Hebrew), "Yahveh Savior."
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, This would fulfill God's message through His prophets. (The first fulfillment of prophecy in the new testament).
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. This should answer any questions about Jesus being God. Written of long before in the old testament. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14). Immanuel "God with us." Future prophecy of the Messiah.
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: Joseph knew then that Marry conceived by the "Holy Spirit" and did what the angel commanded, and brought Marry home to be his wife.
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Marry remained a virgin until her child was born and Joseph named Him Jesus. Some church denominations teach that Marry was always a virgin, but the bible tells us that Jesus had brothers and sisters. Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55). And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? (Matthew 13:56). However, this was Mary's first born Son, also written in (Luke 2:7).
Keep the faith,
Barton
