Matthew 1:13

 

Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.
Matthew 1:13 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
Matthew 1:13 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor,
Matthew 1:13 New English Translation (NET)
 
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Study Bible:
 
Zerubbabel
Zerubbabel is a significant figure in Jewish history, known for his leadership in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His name means "seed of Babylon," reflecting his birth during the exile. Zerubbabel's role as a leader and governor under the Persian king Darius highlights God's providence in using foreign powers to fulfill His promises to Israel. His inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
 
was the father of
This phrase, repeated throughout the genealogy, emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish culture. It signifies not only biological descent but also the transmission of faith and covenant promises from one generation to the next. In the context of Matthew's Gospel, it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through the line of David, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ.
 
Abihud
Abihud is a relatively obscure figure, with little known about him outside of genealogical records. His name means "my father is majesty," which can be seen as a reflection of the divine majesty and sovereignty that guides the lineage leading to Christ. The inclusion of lesser-known figures like Abihud in the genealogy highlights the idea that God's plan often involves ordinary people playing roles in His extraordinary purposes.
 
the father of Eliakim
Eliakim, whose name means "God will establish," serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in establishing His covenant and promises. The name itself is a testament to the hope and assurance that God is actively involved in the unfolding of history, ensuring that His purposes are accomplished. Eliakim's place in the genealogy points to the divine orchestration of events leading to the coming of the Messiah.
 
and Eliakim the father of Azor
Azor, like Abihud, is another figure about whom little is known. His name means "helper," which can be seen as a symbolic representation of God's help and guidance throughout the generations. The presence of such figures in the genealogy serves to remind us that every person, regardless of their prominence or obscurity, has a role in God's grand narrative. It also reflects the theme of divine assistance and providence that runs throughout the biblical story.
 
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Zerubbabel: He was a descendant of King David and a leader of the first group of Jews who returned from the Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. His significance is also found in the books of Ezra and Haggai in the Old Testament.
 
Abiud, Eliakim, and Azor: These are less commonly known figures mentioned only in this genealogy in Matthew. They are not highlighted in any major narratives elsewhere in the Bible, serving mainly to connect Zerubbabel to later generations in Jesus's lineage.
 
The purpose of this genealogy in Matthew's Gospel is to demonstrate Jesus's legal right to the throne of David, thereby fulfilling the Messianic prophecies that the Messiah would come from David's line. This lineage also shows how Jesus fits into the broader narrative of Jewish history, linking him back to Abraham (the father of the Jewish nation) and forward to his role as the Messiah.
 
The structure of the genealogy in Matthew is unique in that it is arranged in three sets of fourteen generations, which might be a mnemonic device or hold symbolic significance (possibly relating to the numerical value of David's name in Hebrew, which equals 14 when each letter is converted to its numerical value).
 
This verse, like others in this chapter, might not convey immediate theological or narrative weight on its own but serves the broader purpose of establishing Jesus's identity and legitimacy in the context of Jewish expectations for the Messiah.
 
Zerubbabel's leadership is a significant part of Jewish history, particularly in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. Here are key aspects of his leadership:
 
Return from Exile:
Zerubbabel was a descendant of King David and was appointed governor of Judah by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. He led one of the first groups of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem around 538 BCE, following the decree by Cyrus that allowed the Jews to return and rebuild their temple (as described in the Book of Ezra).
 
Rebuilding the Temple:
One of Zerubbabel's primary tasks was overseeing the reconstruction of the Second Temple. This was a monumental effort symbolizing the restoration of Jewish worship and identity. Under his leadership, the foundation of the Temple was laid, although the project faced opposition from local inhabitants and was paused for some years before being completed under the later leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra.
 
Spiritual Leadership:
Zerubbabel worked alongside Jeshua (Joshua), the high priest, symbolizing a dual leadership of civil and religious authority. Their cooperation was crucial for the spiritual revival of the community. The prophet Haggai encouraged Zerubbabel and the people to continue with the temple's construction, emphasizing divine support for this endeavor.
 
Political Challenges:
Zerubbabel operated under the authority of the Persian Empire, which meant he had to navigate the politics of working within a foreign imperial system while leading his people. His role was both to represent Persian interests and to serve as a leader to the Jewish community, balancing these sometimes conflicting demands.
 
Messianic Expectations:
In Jewish tradition and prophecy, particularly through the visions recorded by Haggai and Zechariah, Zerubbabel is associated with messianic hopes. For instance, Haggai prophesies that God would make Zerubbabel like a signet ring (Haggai 2:23), symbolizing divine favor and authority. This has led to Zerubbabel being seen as a prefigurement of the Messiah in some interpretations.
 
Historical Disappearance:
After the temple foundation was laid, Zerubbabel disappears from biblical records, which has led to various theories about his fate. Some suggest he might have been removed from his position due to political reasons, while others speculate about a more divine or mysterious departure.
 
Zerubbabel's leadership thus encapsulates a blend of political governance, religious revival, and prophetic significance, making him a pivotal figure in the post-exilic period of Jewish history. His role was essential in re-establishing Jewish life in Jerusalem and laying the groundwork for the Second Temple period, which would last until the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 CE.
 
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Cross References:
 
Ezra 3:2
Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.
 
Nehemiah 12:1
Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,