Matthew 1:7

Letters to the Faithful - Matthew 1:7

Berean Standard Bible

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

King James Bible

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

Greek Text:

Σολομὼν δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ῥοβοάμ, Ῥοβοὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀβιά, Ἀβιὰ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀσά.

Transliteration:

Solomōn de egennēsen ton Rhoboam, Rhoboam de egennēsen ton Abia, Abia de egennēsen ton Asa.

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Solomon the father of Rehoboam

Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, was the third king of Israel and renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marked the height of Israel's power and influence. However, Solomon's later years were marred by idolatry, influenced by his many foreign wives, leading to God's judgment and the eventual division of the kingdom. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, inherited the throne but lacked his father's wisdom. His harsh policies and refusal to lighten the burdens on the people led to the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division fulfilled the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31).

Rehoboam the father of Abijah

Rehoboam's reign was marked by conflict and instability. The kingdom split during his rule, with Jeroboam ruling the northern tribes. Rehoboam's inability to maintain unity and his reliance on poor counsel highlight the consequences of ignoring wise advice. Abijah, also known as Abijam, succeeded Rehoboam as king of Judah. His reign was brief, lasting only three years, and was characterized by continued conflict with Jeroboam. Despite his shortcomings, Abijah is noted for a speech recorded in 2 Chronicles 13, where he appeals to the covenant faithfulness of God and the legitimacy of David's line, emphasizing the importance of the Davidic covenant.

Abijah the father of Asa

Abijah's son Asa became king after him and is remembered as a reformer who sought to bring Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. Asa's reign was marked by religious reforms, including the removal of idols and the restoration of the altar of the Lord. He is noted for his reliance on God during the battle against the Cushites, where his faith led to a significant victory (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). Asa's commitment to God is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience, contrasting with the idolatry and unfaithfulness of some of his predecessors. His reign is a precursor to the reforms of later kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, who also sought to restore true worship in Judah.

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To all those whom the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ have reached, beloved in the faith and called to walk in the light of His truth:

Greetings in the name of Jesus, who is the Alpha and Omega, the One in whom the fullness of God's plan is revealed!

As we reflect upon the Word of God, let us fix our hearts upon Matthew 1:7, where the genealogy of our Lord unfolds. “Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.” In these names lies the story of God’s unyielding hand in history—a lineage marked by grace, imperfection, and redemption.

Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, reminds us of the complex beauty of God's providence. Here is a king to whom wisdom unparalleled was given, yet whose humanity is mirrored in his shortcomings. Through Solomon, God built a temple, a dwelling place for His glory, yet we also see a cautionary tale of how the human heart, prone to wander, must be anchored in the Almighty. Even so, Solomon’s inclusion in the sacred lineage underscores this truth: that God’s plan is not thwarted by human frailty, but magnified in His mercy.

This same thread of grace weaves through Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa. They lived amidst the tension of obedience and rebellion, faithfulness and failure. Each generation bore the imprint of human fallibility, yet God remained sovereign, working through imperfect vessels to prepare the way for the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

In this, brothers and sisters, lies a message for us all. Like Solomon, we are gifted with talents and wisdom; like Rehoboam, we face decisions that test our allegiance; like Abijah, we sometimes falter; and like Asa, we are called to reform and renew our hearts before the Lord.

Matthew 1:7 reminds us that we are part of a greater narrative—a lineage of grace that culminates in Jesus Christ. We are the heirs of a promise fulfilled in Him, chosen not because of our perfection, but because of His love. Our lives, like those of Solomon and his descendants, are woven into the tapestry of God’s redemptive plan.

Therefore, let us walk in humility, acknowledging that our wisdom, strength, and efforts are but a vapor without the breath of God. Let us draw near to Him who calls us by name and grafts us into His family through the blood of His Son. And let us, like Solomon at the dedication of the temple, bow our hearts in reverence, praying, “May the Lord our God be with us as He was with our ancestors; may He never leave us nor forsake us” (1 Kings 8:57).

Beloved, stand firm in the knowledge that God’s purposes will prevail. Whatever trials come your way, remember that you are part of a divine story—one in which the King of kings has chosen you to bear witness to His glory. Like those before us, we are called to leave a legacy of faith for the generations yet to come.

May the peace of Christ dwell richly in your hearts, and may His Spirit lead you into all wisdom and truth, that in all things you may abound in love and bear fruit for His kingdom.

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O Lord, God of promise and faithfulness, we come before You in reverence and awe, lifting our hearts in thanksgiving for Your steadfast love throughout the generations. You are the Author of life, the Keeper of covenant, and the One who ordains our steps from days of old. In Your wisdom, You have called and chosen, raised and sustained, fulfilling Your purposes through those You have appointed in every age.

As Solomon begot Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa, we see the unfolding of Your divine plan, woven through the lives of men whom You have guided according to Your will. You have worked through imperfect vessels, shaping history by Your sovereign hand, demonstrating that no ruler, no kingdom, no lineage is beyond Your divine orchestration. You alone establish and remove, build and refine, restoring the broken and calling forth righteousness from generations yet to come.

Mighty God, we ask that You breathe upon us with the same mercy that sustained those who came before. Lead us in wisdom, that we may govern our homes, our communities, and our responsibilities with hearts that seek after Your ways. Strengthen our resolve when trials press upon us, and let us not waver in faith when circumstances seem uncertain. As You did in days past, raise up leaders among us who walk in righteousness, who seek justice and truth, who are not swayed by the fleeting desires of this world but stand firm in the knowledge of Your eternal kingdom.

Let Your favor rest upon families, upon sons and daughters, upon those who are called to carry forth legacies of faithfulness. Heal the wounds of division, restore what has been lost, and let the light of Your presence shine upon all who seek You in humility. May we find strength in Your grace, knowing that though the past may be marked with failure, Your mercies are new every morning. Let our hearts be steadfast in devotion, our hands diligent in service, and our spirits unwavering in hope.

We surrender ourselves anew to Your purposes, O God, trusting that as You have worked through generations past, so too will You lead us into the fullness of Your promises. Establish Your kingdom among us and let Your will be done, as it was then, as it is now, and as it shall be forevermore. Amen.