Matthew 1:14

Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud.
Matthew 1:14 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
Matthew 1:14 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud,
Matthew 1:14 New English Translation (NET)
 
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Study Bible
 
Azor
Azor is a name that appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The name Azor is of Hebrew origin, possibly derived from the root word "azar," meaning "to help" or "to support." This reflects a common theme in biblical genealogies, where names often carry significant meanings or reflect the character or destiny of the individual. Azor's inclusion in the genealogy highlights the continuity of God's plan through generations, emphasizing that each person, regardless of their prominence in biblical narratives, plays a role in the unfolding of divine history.
 
was the father of
This phrase is a common genealogical term used throughout the Bible, indicating lineage and descent. In the context of Matthew's genealogy, it serves to connect the generations leading to Jesus, underscoring the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage. The phrase "was the father of" not only establishes biological descent but also signifies the transmission of covenantal promises and blessings from one generation to the next. It reminds readers of the faithfulness of God in preserving the line through which the Savior would come.
 
Zadok
Zadok is another name in the genealogy of Jesus, and it carries significant historical and religious connotations. The name Zadok is of Hebrew origin, meaning "righteous" or "just." In the Old Testament, Zadok was a prominent priest during the reigns of David and Solomon, known for his loyalty and righteousness. Although the Zadok in Matthew's genealogy is not the same individual, the name evokes the legacy of faithfulness and integrity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of righteousness in the lineage of Christ and the fulfillment of God's promises through a line of faithful individuals.
 
Zadok was the father of
This repetition of the genealogical phrase reinforces the continuity and progression of the lineage. It emphasizes the importance of each link in the chain leading to the birth of Jesus. The phrase also highlights the role of divine providence in guiding history and ensuring the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Each generation, represented by the phrase "was the father of," contributes to the unfolding account of salvation, demonstrating that God's purposes are accomplished through the lives of ordinary people.
 
Achim
Achim is another name listed in the genealogy of Jesus. The name is of Hebrew origin, possibly derived from "achim," meaning "brothers" or "kinsmen." This name, like others in the genealogy, may not be well-known or prominent in biblical narratives, yet its inclusion signifies the interconnectedness of God's people and the communal aspect of the covenant. Achim's presence in the genealogy underscores the theme of unity and solidarity among the people of God, as well as the collective anticipation of the Messiah's coming.
 
Achim was the father of
Once again, this phrase serves to connect the generations and maintain the flow of the genealogy. It highlights the continuity of God's promises and the unfolding of His plan through successive generations. The repetition of this phrase throughout the genealogy emphasizes the reliability and faithfulness of God in preserving the line through which the Savior would come. It also serves as a reminder that each individual, regardless of their prominence in history, plays a vital role in the divine narrative.
 
Elihud
Elihud is the final name in this verse, contributing to the genealogy of Jesus. The name Elihud is of Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "God is majestic" or "God is my praise." This name reflects the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and majesty, themes that are central to the biblical narrative. Elihud's inclusion in the genealogy serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of the lineage: to bring forth the One who would reveal God's majesty and offer praise through His life, death, and resurrection. The genealogy, culminating in Jesus, is a testament to God's majestic plan of redemption and the fulfillment of His promises.
 
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Genealogy's Purpose: The genealogy in Matthew serves to establish Jesus's royal and legal right to the Davidic throne through Joseph, his adoptive father. It demonstrates Jesus's Messianic credentials by tracing his lineage back to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, and through King David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah coming from David's line.
 
Structure: Matthew divides the genealogy into three sets of 14 generations:
 
From Abraham to David
From David to the Babylonian exile
From the Babylonian exile to Jesus
 
This structure not only aids in memorization but also has symbolic significance, with the number 14 possibly relating to David (the numerical value of "David" in Hebrew gematria is 14).
 
Historical Context: The names from Azor to Eliud fall into the period after the Babylonian Exile, a time when Jews returned to their homeland and reestablished their community under Persian rule before Roman times. This segment of the genealogy is less known compared to earlier figures like David or Solomon but is crucial to show the continuity of the line through less celebrated times.
 
Literary Note: The names in this part of the genealogy are less familiar to modern readers, reflecting the less documented history post-exilic period in Jewish history. However, each name represents a link in the chain leading to the Messiah, emphasizing God's faithfulness across generations.
 
In summary, Matthew 1:14 is a small but essential part of a larger narrative linking Jesus to the historical and prophetic tradition of Israel, affirming his role as the prophesied Messiah.
 
The post-exilic period in Jewish history refers to the time after the Babylonian Exile, which ended with the fall of Babylon to the Persians under Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE. Here are key aspects of this period:
 
Return from Exile:
 
Cyrus's Edict: In 538 BCE, Cyrus issued a decree allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, known from the Cyrus Cylinder and mentioned in the Bible (Ezra 1:1-4).
First Return: Led by Sheshbazzar (possibly Zerubbabel), many Jews returned to rebuild the Temple. This is covered in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
 
Reconstruction of the Temple:
 
Second Temple: The foundation of the Second Temple was laid around 536 BCE, but construction faced delays. It was completed under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest, with prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraging the work, finally finishing around 516 BCE.
 
Governance and Society:
 
Persian Rule: Judea was now a province under Persian control, with local governance by Jewish leaders like Zerubbabel, who was both governor and a descendant of the Davidic line.
 
Legal and Religious Reforms: Ezra, a priest and scribe, played a key role in reestablishing Jewish law and practice. He is known for reading the Torah to the people, leading to a covenant renewal (Nehemiah 8).
Nehemiah's Leadership: Nehemiah, appointed by Artaxerxes I, returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls, which was essential for both security and identity, signaling the restoration of Jerusalem as a significant city.
 
Cultural and Religious Identity:
 
Purification and Separation: There were efforts to purify the community, including dealing with intermarriage with foreign peoples, reflecting a desire to maintain a distinct religious identity (Ezra 9-10).
 
Literature and Canon: This period saw the collection, editing, or writing of several biblical books, including much of the Torah, Prophetic writings, and possibly the beginnings of the Chronicler's work (1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah).
 
Challenges and Conflicts:
 
Samaritan Issue: The relationship with the Samaritans, who had their own temple on Mount Gerizim, was contentious, leading to cultural and religious separation.
Economic and Social Issues: The returnees faced economic hardship, social stratification, and disputes over land and resources.
 
Legacy:
 
Cultural Impact: This period laid the foundation for Second Temple Judaism, influencing Jewish thought, practice, and identity up to the time of Jesus and beyond.
Historical Transition: It marks a transition from the era of the prophets to that of the scribes, with a new emphasis on the written law and the synagogue.
 
The post-exilic period was thus pivotal for Jewish identity, shaping religious practice, community structure, and the literary canon of the Hebrew Bible.