Matthew 1:7

KJV

And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Solomon {G4672} begat {G1080} Roboam {G4497}; and {G1161} Roboam {G4497} begat {G1080} Abia {G7}; and {G1161} Abia {G7} begat {G1080} Asa {G760};

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo was the father of Rechav`am, Rechav`am was the father of Aviyah, Aviyah was the father of Asa,

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.

American Standard Version

and Solomon begat Rehoboam; and Rehoboam begat Abijah; and Abijah begat Asa;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:7 continues the meticulous genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His royal lineage through three generations of Judah's kings: Solomon, Roboam (Rehoboam), Abia (Abijah), and Asa. This verse, embedded within the second major section of Matthew's genealogy (from David to the Babylonian exile), underscores the historical continuity of the Davidic covenant and solidifies Jesus' legitimate claim as the promised Messiah and heir to the throne of David. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the royal line despite the varying faithfulness and challenges faced by these human rulers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:7 is an integral part of the comprehensive genealogy presented in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). This specific verse falls within the second of three fourteen-generation segments, spanning from King David to the Babylonian captivity. Matthew's meticulous listing of "begats" serves a crucial literary purpose: to establish Jesus' legal and historical credentials as the Messiah, the "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham," as declared in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy's Opening Statement"). The repetitive structure emphasizes the unbroken chain of descent, reinforcing the legitimacy of each link in the royal line that ultimately leads to Joseph, the legal father of Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies held immense significance in ancient Jewish culture, serving as legal documents, historical records, and proof of identity, especially for claims to kingship or priestly office. For Matthew's primarily Jewish audience, demonstrating Jesus' direct descent from King David was paramount, as the Messiah was prophesied to come from David's line (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")). The kings listed in this verse—Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa—represent a period of significant historical shifts for Israel: Solomon's golden age and subsequent moral decline, Rehoboam's disastrous reign leading to the division of the kingdom ([1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "The Division of the Kingdom")), Abijah's brief and conflicted rule, and Asa's notable reforms aimed at restoring true worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader genealogy, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **continuity of God's covenant promises**, particularly the Davidic covenant, demonstrating that despite human failings and political turmoil, God faithfully preserves the lineage through which His ultimate redemptive plan will unfold. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Messianic lineage**, meticulously tracing the royal succession to establish Jesus' rightful claim to the throne of Israel. Finally, the inclusion of kings with mixed records (like Rehoboam) subtly points to **God's sovereignty working through imperfect human instruments** and even through periods of national decline, to bring about His ultimate purposes, culminating in the birth of the Savior.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **And (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle serves as a conjunction, often translated as "but," "and," or "moreover." In this genealogical context, its repeated use at the beginning of each clause ("And Solomon begat...", "and Roboam begat...", "and Abia begat...") functions as a simple connective, linking each generation seamlessly. It creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the unbroken succession without implying any adversative or contrasting relationship between the individuals.
* **begat (Greek, _gennáō'_):** Derived from a variation of *genos* (race, stock), this verb means "to procreate," typically referring to the father's role in bringing forth offspring. Figuratively, it can also mean "to regenerate." In Matthew's genealogy, the repeated use of *egennēsen* (the aorist indicative form, "he begat") is crucial. It signifies a direct, lineal, and legal father-son relationship, establishing the biological and legal continuity of the lineage. This repetition underscores the historical accuracy and legitimacy of each link in the chain, vital for establishing Jesus' credentials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Solomon begat Roboam":** This clause establishes the first link in this verse, connecting Solomon, the son of David and builder of the First Temple, to his son Rehoboam. Solomon's reign was marked by immense wisdom and prosperity, but also by later idolatry that contributed to the kingdom's subsequent division. The inclusion of Rehoboam, whose foolish decisions led to the schism of the united monarchy, highlights God's faithfulness in preserving the line even through flawed rulers and national catastrophe.
* **"and Roboam begat Abia":** This continues the direct succession, linking Rehoboam to his son Abijah (also known as Abijam). Abijah's reign was short and characterized by ongoing conflict with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Despite the political instability and moral challenges of this period, God's plan for the Davidic line remained steadfast, demonstrating His ability to work through complex historical circumstances.
* **"and Abia begat Asa;":** The final link in this verse connects Abijah to his son Asa. Asa stands out as a reforming king who earnestly sought to remove idolatry and restore proper worship of Yahweh in Judah. His reign brought a period of peace and spiritual renewal. The inclusion of Asa shows that the lineage was not devoid of righteous leaders, providing a glimmer of hope and demonstrating God's capacity to raise up faithful individuals within the royal line.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 1:7, and indeed throughout the entire genealogy, is **Repetition**. The consistent use of the phrase "begat" (Greek: *egennēsen*) creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like quality, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent. This repetition is a form of **Anaphora**, where the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences ("And Solomon begat...", "and Roboam begat...", "and Abia begat..."). This reinforces the linear progression and historical accuracy. The entire genealogy itself functions as a **Litany**, a repetitive list of names, serving to impress upon the reader the sheer weight of history and the long-awaited fulfillment of prophecy. Furthermore, the genealogy is a distinct **Literary Form** used to establish legitimacy, heritage, and identity, crucial for Matthew's argument about Jesus' messianic claims.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:7, like the entire genealogy, is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty. It demonstrates that God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, are not contingent upon human perfection or political stability. Even through the reigns of kings who made disastrous choices (like Rehoboam) or faced significant challenges, God meticulously preserved the royal lineage, ensuring the continuity necessary for the eventual arrival of the Messiah. This highlights God's long-term vision and His ability to work through generations, weaving together human history, including its flaws and triumphs, to bring about His ultimate redemptive purposes. The seemingly dry list of names becomes a vibrant narrative of divine perseverance and prophetic fulfillment.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David and His Descendant")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalm/89-3-4 "God's Oath to David's Seed")
* [Romans 9:5](/romans/9-5 "Christ's Descent from Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of names in Matthew 1:7 holds profound spiritual significance for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of history, working through the lives of individuals across generations, even when those individuals are imperfect or when circumstances are challenging. This verse encourages us to trust in God's long-term plan, recognizing that His purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of the immediate difficulties or apparent setbacks we may face. Just as God faithfully preserved the lineage for thousands of years to bring forth His Son, He remains faithful to His promises in our own lives and in the unfolding of His global redemptive story. It invites us to see ourselves as part of a larger, ongoing narrative of God's work in the world, connecting our present to His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the continuity of the lineage in Matthew 1:7 encourage your faith in God's faithfulness, especially when facing long-term challenges or delays in your own life?**
* **What does the inclusion of both wise (Solomon) and foolish (Roboam) kings in the genealogy teach us about God's ability to work through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will?**
* **In what ways can understanding our own place within God's ongoing story, as part of His greater plan, impact our daily decisions and perspectives?**

### FAQ
**Why does Matthew's genealogy include kings with such mixed records, like Rehoboam?**

Answer: Matthew's inclusion of kings with mixed records, such as Rehoboam, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the historical authenticity and realism of the lineage; it's not an idealized list but a factual record of the actual royal line, including its complexities and human failings. Secondly, it powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, despite the unfaithfulness or poor decisions of human rulers. God's plan for the Messiah's arrival was not contingent on the moral perfection of every individual in the line, but on His own sovereign will and steadfast love. This highlights that God works through imperfect vessels to achieve His perfect purposes, emphasizing His grace and sovereignty over human history.

**What is the significance of the repetition of "begat" in this verse and throughout the genealogy?**

Answer: The repeated use of "begat" (Greek: *egennēsen*) is a deliberate literary and theological choice by Matthew. Literarily, it provides a clear, rhythmic structure that emphasizes the direct, unbroken, and legal succession of generations. This repetition serves to confirm the historical accuracy and legitimacy of each link in the chain, which was paramount for Matthew's Jewish audience in authenticating Jesus' identity. Theologically, it underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises, demonstrating that the lineage leading to the Messiah was meticulously preserved through successive generations, fulfilling the ancient prophecies that the Messiah would come from the [house and lineage of David](/luke/2-4 "Luke 2:4 - Joseph's Davidic Lineage"). It signifies that Jesus' arrival was not a random event but the culmination of a divinely orchestrated historical process.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:7, while seemingly a dry list of names, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment as an essential link in the unbroken chain leading directly to Jesus, the promised Messiah. Each "begat" in this verse, from Solomon to Asa, serves to validate Jesus' royal credentials, demonstrating His legitimate claim as the "Son of David" and the rightful heir to the throne of Israel. The inclusion of these kings, with their varied reigns of wisdom, foolishness, and reform, underscores God's meticulous preservation of the Davidic line, fulfilling the ancient prophecies that a descendant of David would reign forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")). Jesus, as the ultimate descendant, embodies the true and eternal King, far surpassing the earthly reigns of Solomon or Asa. His kingdom is not merely of this world but an everlasting spiritual dominion ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary about Jesus' Throne")). The very existence of this genealogy, culminating in Christ, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness across millennia, proving that every promise concerning the Messiah's lineage finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the hopes and prophecies embedded within the history of these kings, the [Root and Offspring of David](/revelation/22-16 "Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David"), the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 14:1

¶ So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2 Chronicles 14:15

They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 12:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.

1 Kings 15:8

And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 15:23

The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.

1 Chronicles 3:10

¶ And Solomon's son [was] Rehoboam, Abia his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,

1 Chronicles 3:14

Amon his son, Josiah his son.