What does Matthew 1:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 1:10 is a verse within the genealogy of Jesus Christ as presented by the Apostle Matthew in the first chapter of his Gospel.

The verse traces the lineage of Jesus through the line of Judah's kings.

Here, it is stated that Hezekiah (English form: Ezekias) was the father of Manasseh (Manasses), who in turn was the father of Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah (Josias).

This genealogy is significant as it confirms the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's Davidic lineage.

In a literal sense, the verse continues the historical list of Jesus’ human ancestors, but its deeper meaning emphasizes the legitimacy of Jesus as the prophesied King in the line of David.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written in a Jewish milieu, and Matthew consistently aimed to show his largely Jewish audience that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.

The genealogy in Matthew 1 serves to establish Jesus' rightful place in the Davidic line.

Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah were kings of Judah, and each played a role in the nation's history.

Hezekiah was known as a good king, Manasseh started as a wicked king but repented later in life, Amon was wicked and short-reigned, and Josiah was noted for his religious reforms.

This lineage was set against the turbulent historical backdrop of Assyrian and Babylonian threats, culminating in the eventual exile of the Israelites.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, the inclusion of the kings Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah in Jesus' genealogy holds significant theological implications.

First, it shows God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, the promise to David that his throne would be established forever.

Second, it presents a narrative of grace, as Manasseh, despite his initial wickedness, is still included in the lineage of Christ, showing that God can redeem and use flawed individuals.

Thirdly, the inclusion of the good king Josiah could symbolize the hope for a righteous ruler, which Christians believe is completely fulfilled in Jesus.

Practical Applications

This verse can have several practical applications.

First, it can encourage individuals that no matter their past or the history of their families, they can have a significant role in God's plans.

Second, understanding the historical context and human frailty of the ancestry of Jesus can inspire believers to pursue personal reform and righteousness, just as Josiah did.

Lastly, recognizing that Jesus fulfills the prophecies of the Davidic King can strengthen faith in the reliability of God's promises.

Cross-References

• For Hezekiah: 2 Kings 18:1-7 - "And it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. [...] And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did."
• For Manasseh: 2 Kings 21:1-18 - "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. [...] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen."
• For Amon: 2 Kings 21:19-26 - "Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. [...] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
• For Josiah: 2 Kings 22:1-2 - "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. [...] And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left."

Language Study

The names in Matthew 1:10 have meanings in Hebrew that can be reflective of their bearers' character or legacy:

• Ezekias (Hezekiah): Derived from the Hebrew Chizqiyahu, meaning "Yahweh strengthens."
• Manasses (Manasseh): From the Hebrew Menasheh, meaning "causing to forget."
• Amon: Likely from the Hebrew 'Amown, meaning "faithful, trustworthy."
• Josias (Josiah): From the Hebrew Yoshiyahu, meaning "Yahweh heals" or "Yahweh supports."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, genealogies were important for establishing a person's heritage, status, and right to certain positions. They are common in religious texts, as seen in the Hindu Vedas and the epic of Gilgamesh.

However, in contrast to the linear and direct genealogy in Matthew 1, these other traditions might feature more cyclical or symbolic lineage accounts.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, genealogies in historical or religious texts cannot be verified through empirical means, as they often involve periods beyond the reach of archaeology or genetics.

However, historical and archaeological studies can sometimes support or challenge the plausibility of these lineages by confirming the existence of certain individuals or events mentioned.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Bible offer varied insights into Matthew 1:10.

Some focus on the historical accuracy and the significance of the sequence of monarchies. Others might emphasize the spiritual symbolism, suggesting that the inclusion of both righteous and wicked kings points to the universal nature of Christ's salvation.

Many agree that by positioning Jesus in this royal lineage, Matthew's audience could more easily understand Christ's messianic kingship.