Matthew 1:6

 

and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,
Matthew 1:6 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
Matthew 1:6 King James Bible (KJV)
 
and Jesse the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon (by the wife of Uriah),
Matthew 1:6 New English Translation (NET)
 
and Jesse the father of David the king
Jesse
The name Jesse is derived from the Hebrew "Yishai," meaning "gift" or "God exists." Jesse was a Bethlehemite, a man of humble origins, yet chosen by God to be the progenitor of the royal line of Israel. His role as the father of David highlights the divine orchestration in the lineage of Jesus, emphasizing that God often chooses the unlikely to fulfill His purposes.
 
the father of David
David, whose name means "beloved," is a central figure in the Old Testament. As the youngest son of Jesse, David was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king over Israel. His life is a testament to God's grace and sovereignty, as he rose from shepherd boy to king. David's heart for God, despite his imperfections, made him a man after God's own heart, setting a precedent for the coming Messiah.
 
the king
The title "king" signifies David's role as the second king of Israel, chosen by God to lead His people. David's kingship is marked by his military conquests, establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, and his deep devotion to God. His reign is seen as a foreshadowing of the eternal kingship of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David."
 
Next David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife
David was the father of Solomon
Solomon, whose name means "peace," was the son of David and Bathsheba. His birth is a account of redemption, as it follows the sin and repentance of David. Solomon's wisdom and wealth are legendary, and he is credited with building the first Temple in Jerusalem. His reign represents a time of peace and prosperity, yet also serves as a reminder of the need for faithfulness to God.
 
by Uriah’s wife
This phrase refers to Bathsheba, highlighting the complex and morally challenging circumstances of Solomon's birth. Uriah was a Hittite and a loyal soldier in David's army, and his wife Bathsheba became involved with David in a scandalous affair. The inclusion of this detail in the genealogy underscores the themes of grace and redemption, as God works through human frailty to bring about His divine plan. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin, and that He can bring good out of even the most difficult situations.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Genealogical Context: This verse is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which is presented at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew. The genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back from Abraham through to Joseph, the husband of Mary.
 
Jesse and David: Jesse is the father of David, who is famously known as King David, one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. He was the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel, known for his defeat of Goliath, his leadership, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the capital.
 
David and Solomon: King David is then said to have fathered Solomon, but with a notable detail - Solomon's mother was previously married to Uriah the Hittite. This refers to the story where David, after committing adultery with Bathsheba (Uriah's wife), arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle so he could marry Bathsheba. Solomon was born from this union.
 
Moral and Theological Implications: The inclusion of David's sin in this genealogy is often seen as a demonstration of God's grace and the complex, sometimes flawed, nature of human lineage leading to Jesus. It shows that God works through imperfect human beings to fulfill His promises, emphasizing themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the messianic lineage despite human failings.
 
Literary Style: The use of "begat" (or "fathered" in other translations) is typical of the genealogical lists found in the Bible, maintaining a formal, rhythmic structure to list ancestry.
 
This verse, therefore, not only serves to establish the royal and messianic credentials of Jesus but also subtly introduces themes of human imperfection and divine grace that are central to Christian theology.
 
Bathsheba's story is a significant narrative in the Hebrew Bible, primarily detailed in 2 Samuel 11-12 and 1 Kings 1-2. Here's an overview:
 
Background and Introduction
 
Identity: Bathsheba was the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of King David's mighty warriors. She is described as very beautiful.
Initial Encounter: The story begins when King David, instead of being at war with his army, remains in Jerusalem. One evening, he sees Bathsheba bathing from the roof of his palace (2 Samuel 11:2).
 
Adultery and Tragic Consequences
 
Adultery: David sends for Bathsheba, and they commit adultery. She becomes pregnant as a result (2 Samuel 11:5).
 
Cover-Up: To cover up his sin, David tries to bring Uriah back from battle to sleep with his wife, hoping it would look like the child was Uriah's. Uriah, however, refuses to go home while his comrades are at war (2 Samuel 11:6-13).
 
Murder: David then orchestrates Uriah's death by sending him back to the front lines with instructions to place him where the fighting is fiercest, ensuring his death (2 Samuel 11:14-17).
 
Repentance and Divine Judgment
 
Marriage and Loss: After Uriah's death, David marries Bathsheba. However, their first child dies as a punishment from God for David's sins, as prophesied by Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 12:13-23).
Repentance: David repents deeply for his actions, and this repentance is captured in Psalm 51, traditionally attributed to him.
 
Redemption and Legacy
 
Birth of Solomon: Bathsheba later gives birth to another son, Solomon, who is loved by God and becomes David's successor (2 Samuel 12:24-25).
 
Political Influence: Bathsheba plays a crucial role in ensuring Solomon's rise to the throne. She, along with Nathan the prophet, maneuvers to secure Solomon's succession when David is old and nearing death, thwarting Adonijah's claim (1 Kings 1:11-31).
 
Interpretations and Significance
 
Character Interpretation: Bathsheba's role in the narrative has been interpreted variably. Some see her as a victim of David's lust and power, while others consider her potentially complicit or cunning, especially in securing Solomon's throne. The ambiguity in the text leaves room for different readings of her agency and moral standing.
 
Genealogy of Jesus: Bathsheba is significant in Christian tradition because she is included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:6, though she is referred to indirectly as "the wife of Uriah," highlighting her complex place in the lineage.
 
Moral Lessons: The story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin, the power of repentance, and God's capacity for redemption. It illustrates human frailty, divine justice, and mercy, showing how God can work through the imperfect to achieve His purposes.
 
Bathsheba's narrative is rich with themes of power, sin, redemption, and political maneuvering, making it one of the most discussed and analyzed tales in biblical scholarship.
 
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There are many ideas, conjectures and assumptions surrounding the account of David and Bathsheba. Matthew doesn’t seem concerned at all about the implication that Jesus’ descent was partly due to a rape and a murder. In fact, he deems it important enough that it should be highlighted by the mention of “Uriah’s wife.” It is doubtful that there was anyone who would miss that reference at all.