Matthew 1:9

Berean Standard Bible

Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.

King James Bible

And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

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Matthew 1:9, which reads, “And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias” (KJV), is a concise yet significant verse within the genealogy of Jesus Christ presented in the opening chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. As part of the carefully crafted lineage tracing from Abraham to Jesus (1:1–17), this verse lists three kings of Judah—Uzziah (Ozias), Jotham, and Hezekiah (Ezekias), with Ahaz (Achaz) between them—situating Jesus within the Davidic royal line and underscoring the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. To fully appreciate its depth, we must explore its literary context within Matthew’s genealogy, the historical and cultural backdrop of the Davidic monarchy, the theological implications of these figures, and the broader significance of the genealogy for Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus as the Messiah.

The verse appears in the second of three groups of fourteen generations outlined in Matthew 1:17, which structures the genealogy from Abraham to David, David to the exile, and the exile to Christ. Matthew 1:9 falls within the section covering the monarchy period, from David to the Babylonian exile (1:6–11). This list of kings serves to establish Jesus’ royal credentials, fulfilling the promise of an everlasting Davidic throne (2 Samuel 7:12–16). The names in verse 9—Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah—are drawn from the historical kings of Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, but their inclusion in Matthew’s genealogy is not merely historical; it carries theological weight, emphasizing God’s faithfulness despite human failure and the continuity of His redemptive plan through a flawed lineage.

The first figure, Uzziah (called Ozias in the KJV, reflecting the Greek form of the Hebrew ‘Uzziyyahu), reigned circa 783–742 BCE (2 Chronicles 26). His 52-year reign was marked by prosperity and military success, as he strengthened Judah’s defenses and expanded its influence. However, his pride led to a grave sin: he usurped the priestly role by offering incense in the temple, resulting in his affliction with leprosy and isolation until his death (2 Chronicles 26:16–21). Uzziah’s inclusion in the genealogy reflects both his significance as a Davidic king and the theme of human imperfection, as even a successful ruler fell short of God’s standards. His presence underscores Matthew’s point that Jesus, the ultimate Davidic king, fulfills the covenant in a way that flawed human kings could not.

Jotham (Joatham), Uzziah’s son, reigned circa 742–735 BCE (2 Chronicles 27). His 16-year rule was relatively stable, marked by continued fortification of Judah and victories over the Ammonites. The biblical record describes him as righteous, though he failed to address the people’s idolatry (2 Chronicles 27:2). His brief mention in Matthew 1:9 serves to maintain the continuity of the Davidic line, but his limited impact in the historical narrative suggests a reign that, while faithful, did not fully reverse Judah’s spiritual decline. Jotham’s inclusion highlights the persistence of God’s covenantal promise through successive generations, even when individual kings achieved only modest success.

Ahaz (Achaz), Jotham’s son, reigned circa 735–715 BCE (2 Chronicles 28) and stands as a stark contrast to his father and son. His reign was marked by idolatry, including child sacrifice, and political weakness, as he sought Assyrian aid against external threats, leading to Judah’s vassalage under Tiglath-Pileser III (2 Kings 16:7–9). Ahaz’s unfaithfulness, detailed in 2 Chronicles 28:1–4, makes his inclusion in the genealogy notable, as it demonstrates God’s grace in preserving the Davidic line through even the most unworthy kings. Matthew’s inclusion of Ahaz underscores the Gospel’s theme that Jesus comes to redeem a sinful and broken lineage, fulfilling God’s promises despite human failure.

Hezekiah (Ezekias), Ahaz’s son, reigned circa 715–686 BCE (2 Chronicles 29–32) and is one of Judah’s most celebrated kings. He instituted sweeping religious reforms, restoring temple worship and celebrating the Passover, earning praise as a king who “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 18:3). His trust in God during Sennacherib’s Assyrian invasion led to Jerusalem’s miraculous deliverance (2 Kings 19:35–36). Hezekiah’s inclusion in Matthew 1:9 highlights the ideal of a faithful Davidic king, foreshadowing Jesus as the ultimate ruler who perfectly embodies righteousness and trust in God. However, even Hezekiah’s later pride (2 Chronicles 32:25) reminds readers that no human king fully meets the messianic ideal, pointing to the need for Christ.

Literarily, Matthew 1:9 contributes to the genealogy’s structured and purposeful design. The repetitive formula—“and [X] begat [Y]”—creates a rhythmic cadence, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent from Abraham to Jesus. The genealogy’s division into three sets of fourteen generations (1:17) reflects Matthew’s stylized presentation, possibly using gematria (where the Hebrew letters for David, DVD, sum to 14) to underscore Jesus’ Davidic identity. The inclusion of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, spanning a range of faithfulness and failure, serves a theological purpose, illustrating that God’s redemptive plan persists through human imperfection. The verse’s placement in the monarchy section also bridges the glory of David’s reign with the tragedy of the exile, setting the stage for Jesus as the one who restores what was lost.

The historical and cultural context of Matthew 1:9 is the first-century Jewish world under Roman occupation, where messianic expectations were fervent. Matthew’s audience, likely Jewish Christians, would have recognized the significance of the Davidic lineage, as the Messiah was expected to be a descendant of David (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5). The mention of these kings would evoke memories of Judah’s history, from Uzziah’s prosperity to Ahaz’s apostasy and Hezekiah’s reforms, reinforcing the hope that Jesus fulfills the promises made to David. The genealogy also distinguishes Matthew’s Gospel from Greco-Roman genealogies, which often glorified ancestors to elevate the individual. Instead, Matthew includes flawed figures like Ahaz, emphasizing God’s grace in working through a messy lineage to bring forth the Savior.

Theologically, Matthew 1:9 underscores the themes of divine faithfulness and messianic fulfillment. The inclusion of both righteous and unrighteous kings reflects the biblical narrative’s tension between human sinfulness and God’s covenantal loyalty. The Davidic covenant promised an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:16), and Matthew 1:9 demonstrates that God preserved this line through generations of mixed fidelity, culminating in Jesus, the perfect king. The verse also aligns with Matthew’s broader purpose of presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises (e.g., Matthew 1:22–23), as the genealogy ties Him to Israel’s history and God’s redemptive plan. The presence of Ahaz, a notorious idolater, highlights the Gospel’s message of grace, as Jesus comes to save sinners (Matthew 1:21), including those from His own lineage.

The broader canonical significance of Matthew 1:9 lies in its connection to the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus as the Davidic Messiah. Other Gospels, such as Luke (3:23–38), also emphasize Jesus’ lineage, but Matthew’s focus on the royal line through Solomon (1:6–7) underscores His kingly role. The inclusion of Hezekiah, a type of the ideal king, foreshadows Jesus’ righteousness, while Ahaz’s failure points to the need for a Savior who transcends human weakness. The genealogy also resonates with Paul’s affirmation that Jesus is “descended from David according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3), reinforcing His messianic identity. In a broader sense, the verse reflects the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty, weaving a diverse cast of characters into His redemptive story.

The enduring relevance of Matthew 1:9 lies in its affirmation that God’s purposes prevail through human imperfection. In a modern context, where personal and societal failures abound, the verse offers hope that God can work through flawed individuals and histories to accomplish His will. The inclusion of figures like Ahaz challenges readers to trust in God’s grace, which redeems even the most broken legacies. The genealogy also invites reflection on identity, as Jesus’ lineage grounds Him in human history, affirming His solidarity with humanity while establishing His divine calling as Messiah.

In conclusion, Matthew 1:9 is a concise yet profound verse that encapsulates the theological and narrative richness of Jesus’ genealogy. Through the figures of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, it traces the Davidic line, highlighting God’s faithfulness amid human failure. Its literary structure reinforces Matthew’s messianic portrait, while its historical and cultural context connects Jesus to Israel’s royal hopes. Theologically, it affirms God’s grace and sovereignty, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. Through its timeless message, Matthew 1:9 invites readers to marvel at God’s redemptive work, which transforms a flawed lineage into the lineage of the Savior.

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Dear beloved brothers and sisters, grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of our Lord, whose mercy endures forever and whose love knows no bounds. As I write to you, my heart is stirred with a profound longing to share the hope that anchors our souls, a hope woven through the generations, steadfast and true, as revealed in the sacred story of our Savior’s lineage. Let us ponder together the marvelous tapestry of God’s providence, which stretches across time, binding the past to the present and guiding us toward the eternal promise.

Consider the lineage of our Lord, a lineage not marked by unbroken perfection but by the hand of God working through the frail and the faithful alike. Among those names, we find Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, each a thread in the divine design, each a testament to the Almighty’s unwavering purpose. These were men of their time, rulers entrusted with the care of God’s people, yet their lives were not without blemish. Some walked in righteousness, others stumbled in pride or disobedience, but through them all, God’s plan advanced, unyielding and sure. Is this not a comfort to us, dear friends? That even in our weakness, the Creator’s purpose prevails, weaving our lives into His eternal story?

Let us reflect on this truth: God’s kingdom is not built on the flawless but on the faithful, not on the mighty but on those who turn their hearts toward Him. Uzziah began his reign with zeal for the Lord, seeking wisdom and prospering under divine favor, yet pride led to his downfall. Jotham, his son, walked justly but did not fully lead the people to righteousness. Ahaz, swayed by fear and idolatry, faltered grievously, yet even through his failures, God preserved the line of promise. And Hezekiah, a king of fervent prayer, saw the Lord’s deliverance in the face of impossible odds. In their triumphs and their errors, we see a mirror of our own journey—moments of devotion mingled with moments of struggle, yet all held within the embrace of divine grace.

This lineage, dear ones, is no mere record of names but a living testimony to God’s covenant faithfulness. From generation to generation, He has kept His word, guiding His people through trials, through kings who faltered, through seasons of captivity and restoration. The promise of a Savior, foretold from the dawn of time, was carried forward, not by human strength but by the unerring will of God. And so it came to pass that from this very line, the Messiah, the Anointed One, was born—Jesus, the Son of God, who came to redeem us all.

What does this mean for us today, beloved? It means that we, too, are part of this sacred story. Just as God worked through the lives of those ancient kings, He works through us, imperfect though we are. Our faltering steps do not derail His purpose; our weaknesses do not diminish His power. He calls us to walk in faith, to trust in His providence, and to live as bearers of His light in a world shadowed by doubt and division. Let us take heart, for the same God who guided the line of Judah guides us now, shaping our lives to reflect His glory.

I urge you, therefore, to live with courage and humility. Seek the Lord with all your heart, as Hezekiah did when he spread his troubles before the throne of grace. Guard against the pride that ensnared Uzziah, and turn away from the fear that led Ahaz astray. Let your lives be a testament to the God who keeps His promises, who turns mourning into joy, and who brings forth salvation from the most unexpected places. Share this hope with your neighbors, your families, and even those who seem far from the fold, for the love of Christ knows no boundaries.

As you gather in your homes, your communities, and your places of worship, remember that you are part of a greater family, a lineage not of blood alone but of faith, united by the One who came to save us. Let your words be seasoned with grace, your actions marked by compassion, and your hearts anchored in the truth that God’s plan endures forever. The world around us may shift and tremble, but the promise of our Savior stands firm, a beacon of hope for all who seek Him.

May you walk in the light of His presence, strengthened by His Spirit, and sustained by His love. May you carry the good news of His coming to all who will hear, proclaiming that the King has come and will come again. Until that glorious day, let us persevere in faith, love, and unity, giving thanks always for the grace that has called us into His marvelous light.

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O Eternal and Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, whose mercy endures forever and whose faithfulness spans the ages, we come before Your throne with hearts bowed in reverence and awe. You are the God who weaves the tapestry of time, guiding the generations with Your sovereign hand, and we lift our voices in gratitude for Your unyielding love, which has carried Your people from the dawn of creation to this very moment. We stand in the light of Your promise, fulfilled through the lineage of Your chosen, through kings and servants, through the faithful and the frail, until the coming of Your Son, our Savior.

Father of all grace, we praise You for Your providence, which worked through Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, men of dust yet vessels of Your divine purpose. In their triumphs and their failings, You remained steadfast, shaping the path that led to the birth of the Messiah, the King of kings. Your faithfulness humbles us, O Lord, for You do not abandon Your people, even when we falter. You take our brokenness and make it whole, our weakness and make it strong, our wandering and guide it home. Blessed be Your name, for You are the God who keeps Your covenant, whose word never fails.

We pray, O Lord, for Your church, scattered across the earth yet united in Your Spirit. Strengthen us to walk in the footsteps of those who sought You, like Hezekiah, who poured out his heart in fervent prayer. Guard us against the pride that led Uzziah astray, and deliver us from the fear that ensnared Ahaz. Grant us wisdom to discern Your will, courage to proclaim Your truth, and humility to serve one another in love. May we, like the generations before us, be faithful stewards of Your promise, bearing the light of Christ to a world in need.

Pour out Your grace, we beseech You, upon those who are weary, whose hearts are heavy with sorrow or doubt. Comfort them with the assurance that Your plan endures, that no trial can thwart Your purpose, and that Your love embraces even the weakest among us. For the leaders of nations, for those who guide Your people, and for every soul entrusted with influence, we ask for Your guidance. May they seek Your face, govern with justice, and walk in righteousness, knowing that You alone are the source of true wisdom and strength.

O God of all creation, we lift up those who have yet to know Your Son, the One foretold through the ages, born of the line You preserved. Send Your Spirit to soften hearts, to open eyes, and to draw all people to the cross, where mercy and truth have met. Equip us, Your servants, to be ambassadors of this gospel, speaking with boldness and acting with compassion, that Your name may be glorified in every corner of the earth.

We pray for our communities, our families, and our children, that they may grow in the knowledge of Your love. May our homes be sanctuaries of Your peace, our words seasoned with grace, and our lives a reflection of Your glory. Unite us as one body, knit together by Your Spirit, that the world may see our love for one another and know that we are Yours.

As we await the return of our Savior, keep us steadfast, O Lord. Let us not grow weary in doing good, nor faint in the face of trials. Fill us with Your joy, anchor us in Your hope, and sustain us by Your power. We long for the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

All this we ask in the precious name of Your Son, our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.