Evening Prayer December 31, 2024

Father in Heaven,
 
Holy are you, Lord God Almighty, for you alone are worthy of all glory, honor and praise.
 
The brightness of Your Light is like a searchlight that penetrates into the farthest reaches of our souls, exposing every hidden motive and intent of our hearts. You gave us Your Spirit so that we can know the wonderful things You have given us. We are Your children, born of Your Spirit, filled with Your Spirit, and led by Your Spirit. Help us, Lord, to listen to our hearts as we learn to look to Your Spirit which is within us. 
 
Hear our prayers, Lord, in the precious name of your Son, our Lord and Savior,
 
Amen

Matthew 1:4

 
Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.
Matthew 1:4 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
Matthew 1:4 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Matthew 1:4 New English Translation (NET)
 
Ram was the father of Amminadab
The name "Ram" in Hebrew is רָם, which means "high" or "exalted." This name reflects a position of honor or distinction, which is fitting as Ram is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The genealogies in the Bible serve to connect the promises of God through generations, showing His faithfulness. Ram's position in this lineage underscores the continuity of God's plan from Abraham to David, and ultimately to Jesus. Amminadab, whose name means "my kinsman is noble," continues this line of nobility and divine purpose. The genealogical record here is not just a list of names but a testament to God's sovereign orchestration of history.
 
Amminadab the father of Nahshon
Amminadab, as mentioned, means "my kinsman is noble," indicating a heritage of honor and leadership. Nahshon, whose name means "enchanter" or "oracle," was a significant figure in Israel's history. He was a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus and played a crucial role in the wilderness journey. According to Jewish tradition, Nahshon was the first to step into the Red Sea, demonstrating faith and courage. This act of faith is emblematic of the spiritual leadership expected from the tribe of Judah, from which King David and ultimately Jesus would come. The mention of Nahshon in this genealogy highlights the importance of faith and leadership in God's redemptive plan.
 
Nahshon the father of Salmon
Salmon, whose name means "peaceable" or "clothed," is another link in the chain leading to the Messiah. The name suggests a person of tranquility and righteousness, qualities that are essential in the lineage of Christ. Salmon is traditionally believed to have married Rahab, the Canaanite woman who showed great faith in the God of Israel and was spared during the conquest of Jericho. This union is significant as it demonstrates God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant people. Salmon's place in the genealogy is a reminder of God's redemptive work through unexpected and diverse individuals, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Aram, Aminadab, Naasson, and Salmon are all ancestors in the lineage of Jesus Christ, tracing back through King David to Abraham.
 
Aram (or Ram) was the son of Hezron and father of Aminadab.
 
Aminadab (or Amminadab) was the father of Naasson.
 
Naasson (or Nahshon) was a leader from the tribe of Judah during the Exodus from Egypt and is noted for his role in the census of Numbers 1:7.
 
Salmon was the father of Boaz, who would later marry Ruth, an ancestor of King David.
 
This verse is part of a larger list that serves several purposes:
 
Historical Context: It places Jesus within Jewish history, showing his descent from notable figures and linking him directly to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation.
 
Legitimacy: It asserts Jesus's legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come from David's line.
 
Symbolism: Each name in the genealogy can have symbolic or theological significance, though in this specific verse, the focus is more on establishing lineage.
 
Inclusivity: The genealogy includes women and individuals from various backgrounds, which was somewhat unusual for genealogies of the time, hinting at the universal scope of Jesus's mission.
 
Remember, interpretations can vary, and different Christian traditions might emphasize different aspects of these genealogies. However, the primary function of Matthew 1:4 within the text is to continue the lineage from Abraham to Jesus, emphasizing Jesus's royal and messianic credentials.
 
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I must admit to getting some amusement from watching people tie themselves into knots attempting to align various lists of names with specific periods of time. First, the names in many of these lists aren’t always exact, or complete. Some names get left out for various reasons and other names change from one list to the next. Add to that the problem that life spans tended to be exaggerated by authors for purposes of the story being told, and even the specific time periods can be highly inexact for the same reasons. There are an almost infinite number of rabbit holes we can fall into in the Old Testament. Best they be avoided as much as possible, the time much better spent attempting to glean the message the stories are attempting to convey.
 
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And Aram begat Aminadab — Of these, to Jesse, little is said in Scripture, for either they lived in slavery in Egypt, or in trouble in the wilderness, or in obscurity in Canaan before the kingdom was settled. Naasson, as we learn Num_1:7, was head of the house of Judah, not, as some through mistake have affirmed, when the Israelites entered Canaan, but when they were numbered and marshalled in the wilderness of Sinai, in the second year after they were come out of Egypt. Accordingly, in the catalogue given 1Ch_2:10, he is termed prince of the children of Judah, where Salmon his son is called Salma.
 
Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
 
 

Morning Prayer December 31, 2024

Father in Heaven,
 
Holy are you, Lord God Almighty, for you alone are worthy of all glory, honor and praise.
 
Why is it that some of the most prominent displays of Christians (so-called) are nude photos, drunken parties, and so forth, of celebrities? Are we truly holding these up as true examples of what it means to be a Christ follower today? Is this what Christian witness is all about? Lord, we so need You to bring us to our knees. Your people are in desperate need of repentance. We are also in desperate need of Your renewal and revival. Cleanse us of this evil, Lord. Wash us of this filth that we've been wallowing in and raise up Your Church to be the true Church Triumphant.
 
Hear our prayers, Lord, in the precious name of your Son, our Lord and Savior,
 
Amen