Matthew 1:7

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.

King James Bible

And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

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Matthew 1:7, nestled within the genealogy of Jesus Christ, reads in the New International Version: "Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa." At first glance, this verse appears as a straightforward link in the chain of ancestry tracing from Abraham to Jesus, a lineage that Matthew meticulously outlines to establish Jesus’ messianic credentials. However, this seemingly simple verse carries profound theological, historical, and literary weight, serving as a bridge between the promises of God and their fulfillment in Christ. To fully unpack its significance, we must explore the context of Matthew’s genealogy, the individuals named, their historical roles, and the broader implications for Matthew’s audience and for Christian theology.

Matthew’s genealogy, spanning from Abraham to Jesus, is not merely a list of names but a theological statement. It underscores Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham and David, emphasizing his rightful claim as the Messiah. Unlike Luke’s genealogy, which traces Jesus’ lineage through Mary back to Adam, Matthew’s focus is on Joseph’s line, highlighting Jesus’ legal descent as the heir to David’s throne. This is critical for Matthew’s Jewish audience, who expected the Messiah to be a Davidic king. The structure of the genealogy, divided into three sets of fourteen generations (Abraham to David, David to the exile, and the exile to Jesus), reflects a deliberate literary design, possibly symbolizing completeness or divine order, as the number fourteen may evoke the numerical value of David’s name in Hebrew (DVD = 4+6+4). Matthew 1:7 falls within the second set, the period from David to the Babylonian exile, a time marked by both the heights of Israel’s monarchy and its tragic decline.

The verse names four figures: Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa, each a king of Judah, and each carrying a complex legacy that enriches the verse’s significance. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is a towering figure in Israel’s history. His reign, described in 1 Kings 1-11 and 2 Chronicles 1-9, represents the zenith of Israel’s monarchy. He built the First Temple, expanded Israel’s wealth and influence, and was renowned for his wisdom, as evidenced by his judgment in 1 Kings 3:16-28. Yet, Solomon’s later years were marred by idolatry and political alliances through marriages to foreign wives, which led to spiritual compromise (1 Kings 11:1-13). His inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy is both an affirmation of God’s promise to David—that his throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16)—and a subtle reminder that even the greatest human kings are flawed. Solomon’s presence in Matthew 1:7 underscores the tension between divine faithfulness and human failure, a recurring theme in the genealogy.

Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, marks a turning point in Israel’s history. His reign, detailed in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10-12, began with a catastrophic decision. When the northern tribes requested relief from Solomon’s heavy taxation, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of elders to serve the people humbly, instead following the advice of younger advisors to rule harshly. This led to the division of the kingdom, with the northern ten tribes forming Israel under Jeroboam, while Rehoboam retained Judah in the south. His reign was characterized by further idolatry and conflict, including invasions by Egypt (2 Chronicles 12:1-12). Rehoboam’s inclusion in the genealogy is striking because it highlights God’s grace. Despite his failures, which fractured the united kingdom, God preserved the Davidic line through him, demonstrating that the divine plan persists through human weakness.

Abijah (also spelled Abijam in some texts), Rehoboam’s son, ruled briefly, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13. His reign was mixed, with 1 Kings portraying him as continuing in the sins of his father, particularly idolatry, while 2 Chronicles emphasizes his faithfulness in a battle against Jeroboam, where he relied on God for victory (2 Chronicles 13:10-18). The discrepancy between these accounts reflects the complexity of his character and the differing theological emphases of the chroniclers. In Matthew’s genealogy, Abijah’s inclusion serves as another link in the Davidic chain, but his brief and morally ambiguous reign reinforces the pattern of flawed kings through whom God’s promise endures. His presence also subtly prepares the reader for the ultimate king, Jesus, who will surpass the failures of his ancestors.

Asa, Abijah’s son, is a brighter figure in Judah’s history, as detailed in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. He is noted for his reforms, removing idolatrous altars and leading Judah back to covenant faithfulness (2 Chronicles 14:2-5). His reliance on God led to military victories, such as against the Cushites (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). However, later in his reign, Asa faltered, relying on foreign alliances rather than God when faced with threats from Israel (2 Chronicles 16:1-10). His life ended in illness, and he sought physicians rather than divine help, a detail that some interpreters see as a further lapse (2 Chronicles 16:12). Asa’s inclusion in Matthew 1:7 highlights both the possibility of faithfulness and the persistent reality of human imperfection. His reforms point forward to the perfect righteousness of Jesus, while his failures underscore the need for a greater king.

Theologically, Matthew 1:7 serves as a microcosm of the entire genealogy’s message: God’s covenant faithfulness triumphs over human sinfulness. Each king named—Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa—represents a spectrum of fidelity and failure, yet they are all part of the lineage through which the Messiah comes. This reflects Matthew’s broader theme that Jesus is the culmination of Israel’s history, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and David despite the checkered history of their descendants. For Matthew’s Jewish audience, this genealogy would have been a powerful apologetic, affirming Jesus’ legitimate claim to the Davidic throne while acknowledging the messy reality of Israel’s kings. For modern readers, it underscores the doctrine of grace: God works through imperfect people to accomplish his perfect will.

Historically, the verse also anchors Jesus in a specific socio-political context. The kings listed reigned during a period of increasing instability, from Solomon’s united kingdom to the divided monarchy and eventual decline toward exile. This historical backdrop sets the stage for the Messianic hope, as Israel longed for a king who would restore David’s throne and bring lasting peace. Matthew’s inclusion of these figures ties Jesus directly to that hope, presenting him as the answer to Israel’s centuries-long yearning.

Literarily, Matthew 1:7 is part of a tightly crafted narrative. The genealogy’s rhythmic repetition of “the father of” creates a sense of continuity, while the specific naming of these kings evokes their stories for those familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures. Matthew’s selective genealogy—omitting some kings, such as Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah, between Abijah and Asa (compare 1 Chronicles 3:11-12)—suggests intentionality, possibly to fit the fourteen-generation structure or to emphasize certain theological points. This selectivity does not undermine the genealogy’s accuracy but reflects a common ancient practice of highlighting key figures to convey a message. In this case, the message is that Jesus is the true Davidic heir, regardless of the gaps or failures in the line.

In a broader Christian context, Matthew 1:7 invites reflection on the nature of God’s redemptive plan. The inclusion of flawed kings in Jesus’ ancestry foreshadows the inclusivity of his mission, which embraces sinners and outcasts (Matthew 9:12-13). It also points to the humility of the incarnation: the eternal Son of God enters history through a lineage marked by both glory and shame. For believers, this verse is a reminder that God’s purposes are not thwarted by human weakness, and it encourages trust in his sovereignty.

In conclusion, Matthew 1:7 is far more than a list of names. It encapsulates the story of God’s faithfulness through the messy history of Judah’s kings, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic promise. Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa each contribute to this narrative, their lives reflecting the highs and lows of human leadership, yet collectively affirming that God’s plan moves forward relentlessly. For Matthew’s audience and for readers today, this verse is a testament to grace, a declaration of Jesus’ rightful place as Messiah, and an invitation to marvel at the divine tapestry woven through human history.

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To all those whom the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ have reached, beloved in the faith and called to walk in the light of His truth:

Greetings in the name of Jesus, who is the Alpha and Omega, the One in whom the fullness of God's plan is revealed!

As we reflect upon the Word of God, let us fix our hearts upon Matthew 1:7, where the genealogy of our Lord unfolds. “Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.” In these names lies the story of God’s unyielding hand in history—a lineage marked by grace, imperfection, and redemption.

Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, reminds us of the complex beauty of God's providence. Here is a king to whom wisdom unparalleled was given, yet whose humanity is mirrored in his shortcomings. Through Solomon, God built a temple, a dwelling place for His glory, yet we also see a cautionary tale of how the human heart, prone to wander, must be anchored in the Almighty. Even so, Solomon’s inclusion in the sacred lineage underscores this truth: that God’s plan is not thwarted by human frailty, but magnified in His mercy.

This same thread of grace weaves through Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa. They lived amidst the tension of obedience and rebellion, faithfulness and failure. Each generation bore the imprint of human fallibility, yet God remained sovereign, working through imperfect vessels to prepare the way for the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

In this, brothers and sisters, lies a message for us all. Like Solomon, we are gifted with talents and wisdom; like Rehoboam, we face decisions that test our allegiance; like Abijah, we sometimes falter; and like Asa, we are called to reform and renew our hearts before the Lord.

Matthew 1:7 reminds us that we are part of a greater narrative—a lineage of grace that culminates in Jesus Christ. We are the heirs of a promise fulfilled in Him, chosen not because of our perfection, but because of His love. Our lives, like those of Solomon and his descendants, are woven into the tapestry of God’s redemptive plan.

Therefore, let us walk in humility, acknowledging that our wisdom, strength, and efforts are but a vapor without the breath of God. Let us draw near to Him who calls us by name and grafts us into His family through the blood of His Son. And let us, like Solomon at the dedication of the temple, bow our hearts in reverence, praying, “May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our ancestors; may He never leave us nor forsake us” (1 Kings 8:57).

Beloved, stand firm in the knowledge that God’s purposes will prevail. Whatever trials come your way, remember that you are part of a divine story—one in which the King of kings has chosen you to bear witness to His glory. Like those before us, we are called to leave a legacy of faith for the generations yet to come.

May the peace of Christ dwell richly in your hearts, and may His Spirit lead you into all wisdom and truth, that in all things you may abound in love and bear fruit for His kingdom.

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O Lord, God of promise and faithfulness, we come before You in reverence and awe, lifting our hearts in thanksgiving for Your steadfast love throughout the generations. You are the Author of life, the Keeper of covenant, and the One who ordains our steps from days of old. In Your wisdom, You have called and chosen, raised and sustained, fulfilling Your purposes through those You have appointed in every age.

As Solomon begot Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa, we see the unfolding of Your divine plan, woven through the lives of men whom You have guided according to Your will. You have worked through imperfect vessels, shaping history by Your sovereign hand, demonstrating that no ruler, no kingdom, no lineage is beyond Your divine orchestration. You alone establish and remove, build and refine, restoring the broken and calling forth righteousness from generations yet to come.

Mighty God, we ask that You breathe upon us with the same mercy that sustained those who came before. Lead us in wisdom, that we may govern our homes, our communities, and our responsibilities with hearts that seek after Your ways. Strengthen our resolve when trials press upon us, and let us not waver in faith when circumstances seem uncertain. As You did in days past, raise up leaders among us who walk in righteousness, who seek justice and truth, who are not swayed by the fleeting desires of this world but stand firm in the knowledge of Your eternal kingdom.

Let Your favor rest upon families, upon sons and daughters, upon those who are called to carry forth legacies of faithfulness. Heal the wounds of division, restore what has been lost, and let the light of Your presence shine upon all who seek You in humility. May we find strength in Your grace, knowing that though the past may be marked with failure, Your mercies are new every morning. Let our hearts be steadfast in devotion, our hands diligent in service, and our spirits unwavering in hope.

We surrender ourselves anew to Your purposes, O God, trusting that as You have worked through generations past, so too will You lead us into the fullness of Your promises. Establish Your kingdom among us and let Your will be done, as it was then, as it is now, and as it shall be forevermore. Amen.