Matthew 1:7

 

Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.
Matthew 1:7 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
Matthew 1:7 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa,
Matthew 1:7 New English Translation (NET)
 
Solomon the father of Rehoboam
Solomon, whose name in Hebrew is "Shlomo," meaning "peace," was the son of King David and Bathsheba. His reign is often seen as the pinnacle of Israel's united monarchy, marked by wisdom, wealth, and the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's legacy is complex; while he is celebrated for his wisdom, his later years were marred by idolatry and political alliances that led to spiritual decline. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, inherited the throne but lacked his father's wisdom, leading to the division of the kingdom. This transition from Solomon to Rehoboam highlights the importance of spiritual fidelity and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.
 
Rehoboam the father of Abijah
Rehoboam, whose name means "he enlarges the people," was the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of Israel. His reign was marked by conflict and strife, particularly with the northern kingdom of Israel. The historical context of Rehoboam's reign is crucial, as it represents a period of significant change and division within the Israelite nation. Abijah, Rehoboam's son, continued his father's legacy, but his reign was also characterized by warfare and a struggle for power. This lineage serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership and the dangers of pride and division.
 
Abijah the father of Asa
Abijah, also known as Abijam, means "my father is Yahweh," reflecting a heritage of faith despite the political turmoil of his time. His reign was short, but he is noted for a significant victory over Jeroboam, the king of Israel, which is attributed to his reliance on God. Asa, his son, is remembered as a reformer who sought to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh. Asa's efforts to remove idolatry and restore the covenant with God highlight the theme of renewal and repentance. This transition from Abijah to Asa underscores the potential for spiritual revival and the impact of faithful leadership in turning a nation back to God.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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This verse is within the broader context of Matthew chapter 1, which lists the lineage from Abraham to Jesus. Here's a breakdown:
 
Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba, known for his wisdom and for building the first temple in Jerusalem.
Rehoboam was Solomon's son who succeeded him as king but is known for his harsh policies which led to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah after his reign.
 
Abijah (or Abijam in some texts) was Rehoboam's son, who ruled over Judah. His reign is described with mixed reviews in the biblical texts.
 
Asaph here is likely a textual variant or an error in some translations, as the traditional lineage from Abijah leads to Asa, not Asaph. Asaph was a name associated with a group of Levite singers in the Old Testament, not directly linked to this lineage. The correct name in this context should be Asa, who was a reformer king in Judah.
 
This part of the genealogy serves to trace Jesus's royal lineage through David, emphasizing His legal right to the Davidic throne, which was significant for proving His Messianic credentials in Jewish tradition. The inclusion of these names also connects Jesus to key historical figures in Jewish history, reinforcing His place within the covenant promises made to Abraham and David.