ISB ~ Matthew 1 v3 - 6

The inclusion of women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and the wife of Uriah) in a Jewish genealogy is unusual, but not unprecedented (1 Chron 1:32, 39, 50; 2:4). All are Gentiles (Canaanite, Canaanite, Moabite, and Hittite, respectively), and three (all but Ruth) are associated with sexual immorality (Gen 38:12-26; Josh 2:1; 2 Sam 11:2-5). These irregularities may reflect an apologetic strategy. (1) Gentile blood within Jesus’ lineage anticipates the international scope of the gospel for men and women of “all nations” (28:19). (2) Matthew defuses Jewish accusations that the women in Jesus’ genealogy undermine his messianic credentials. By listing the immoral women in the generations before Solomon, Matthew implies that if these women did not disqualify Solomon as the royal son of David, then neither do they disqualify Jesus, who assumes the same title as the Messiah (1:1). Indeed, Solomon’s birth through the immorally arranged marriage of David and Uriah’s wife (2 Sam 11) stands in vivid contrast to Mary’s virginal conception of Jesus by the Spirit (1:18).