Matthew 1:9

 

Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
Matthew 1:9 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
Matthew 1:9 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
Matthew 1:9 New English Translation (NET)
 
Uzziah
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years. His name means "Yahweh is my strength," reflecting a reliance on God. Uzziah's reign was marked by prosperity and military success, but his pride led to his downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, resulting in leprosy. This serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God's commands.
 
was the father of
This phrase indicates the genealogical lineage, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant promises through generations. In Hebrew culture, genealogy was crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and fulfilling prophecies. It underscores God's faithfulness in preserving the line of David, through which the Messiah would come.
 
Jotham
Jotham, meaning "Yahweh is perfect," was a king of Judah known for his righteous reign. He continued the reforms of his father, Uzziah, and maintained a strong relationship with God. Jotham's reign is a testament to the blessings that come from walking in obedience to God's laws and the impact of godly leadership on a nation.
 
Jotham the father of Ahaz
This phrase highlights the transition from a righteous king to one who did not follow in his father's footsteps. Ahaz's reign was marked by idolatry and alliances with foreign powers, leading to spiritual and political decline. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of maintaining faithfulness across generations.
 
Ahaz
Ahaz, whose name means "he has grasped," was a king of Judah known for his unfaithfulness to God. He introduced idol worship and even sacrificed his own son, reflecting the depths of his apostasy. Despite his failures, God's promise to David's line remained unbroken, illustrating God's grace and the hope of redemption even amidst human failure.
 
and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah
This phrase marks a significant turning point in the genealogy. Hezekiah, unlike his father, was a reformer who sought to restore true worship in Judah. His reign was characterized by a return to God, the destruction of idols, and a reliance on divine guidance. Hezekiah's account is one of repentance and renewal, demonstrating that it is never too late to return to God and seek His favor.
 
Hezekiah
Hezekiah, meaning "Yahweh strengthens," was a king of Judah renowned for his faithfulness and reforms. He trusted in God during times of crisis, such as the Assyrian invasion, and was rewarded with miraculous deliverance. Hezekiah's life exemplifies the power of prayer, the importance of seeking God's will, and the blessings that come from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. His inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the hope and redemption available through faith in God.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Ozias (Uzziah) - King of Judah, known for his long reign and prosperity until he was struck with leprosy due to his pride (2 Chronicles 26).
 
Joatham (Jotham) - Son of Uzziah, he became king when Uzziah was afflicted with leprosy. His reign was marked by peace and economic prosperity (2 Chronicles 27).
 
Achaz (Ahaz) - Grandson of Uzziah and son of Jotham, he was a king known for his idolatry and reliance on Assyria for protection, leading to a decline in Judah's moral and political state (2 Kings 16).
 
Ezekias (Hezekiah) - Son of Ahaz, he is renowned for his religious reforms, centralizing worship to YHWH, and his miraculous recovery from illness, which is seen as a sign of divine favor (2 Kings 18-20).
 
This verse is part of the Matthean genealogy which serves several purposes:
 
It establishes Jesus' legal lineage from David, fulfilling the Messianic prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's line.
 
It shows Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises, linking him directly with the history of Israel.
 
By including kings known for both piety and unfaithfulness, it underscores the theme of divine grace and redemption, highlighting that despite human failings, God's plan continues through the lineage.
 
In this context, Matthew 1:9 is not just a list of names but part of a narrative that underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel through Jesus Christ.
 
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And Ozias begat Joatham,.... Called Jotham, 2Ki_15:7 him Ozias begat of Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok, 2Ki_15:33.
 
And Joatham begat Achaz, or Ahaz, 2Ki_15:38 to him the sign was given, and the famous prophecy of the Messiah, Isa_7:14.
 
And Achaz begat Ezekias, or Hezekiah, 2Ki_16:20 him Ahaz begat of Abi, the daughter of Zachariah, 2Ki_18:2. He was a very religious king, and had that singular favour from God to have fifteen years added to his days, Isa_38:5.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible