Author: Charlie Garrett

Pointy top of the Wyoming Capitol.

Friday, 19 July 2024

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. Matthew 1:12

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible”on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And after the Babylon deportation, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel” (CG).

The previous verse noted that Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers upon the Babylon deportation. Matthew now continues the narrative, saying, “And after the Babylon deportation, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel.”

The name Shealtiel means I Have Asked God, I Have Asked of God, or something similar. These words appear to cause a problem with the words of Jeremiah 22 –

“As I live,” says the Lord, “though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were the signet on My right hand, yet I would pluck you off; ²⁵ and I will give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of those whose face you fear—the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the hand of the Chaldeans. ²⁶ So I will cast you out, and your mother who bore you, into another country where you were not born; and there you shall die. ²⁷ But to the land to which they desire to return, there they shall not return.
²⁸ Is this man Coniah a despised, broken idol—
A vessel in which is no pleasure?
Why are they cast out, he and his descendants,
And cast into a land which they do not know?
²⁹ O earth, earth, earth,
Hear the word of the Lord!
³⁰ Thus says the Lord:
‘Write this man down as childless,
A man who shall not prosper in his days;
For none of his descendants shall prosper,
Sitting on the throne of David,
And ruling anymore in Judah.’” Jeremiah 22:24-30

In those words, Jeconiah (there called Coniah) is told that he would lose his right to the throne of David. This is seen in the terminology where he is equated to a signet ring, the sign of royal authority. From there, it then says, “Write this man down as childless.”

As it says this, the question then arises as to how can it now say in Matthew that Jeconiah begot Shealtiel? The answer is in the verse itself. Saying that none of his descendants (literally: man) shall prosper presupposes that he has descendants. However, those coming from him would not sit on the throne of David. The signet had been removed and none of his sons would rule in Judah.

This is confirmed by 1 Chronicles 3:17, 18 where the sons of Jeconiah are named. However, upon his removal, 2 Kings 24 says, “Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah.” With this understood, Matthew continues with the words, “and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.”

Zerubbabel means Seed of Babylon (from zara, seed) or Pressed Out of Babylon (from zur, to press). It is Zerubbabel who returned to Judah after the Babylonian exile as first noted in Ezra 3:2, where it says –

“Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.”

Of Zerubbabel, the book of Haggai says –

“‘In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:23

Zerubbabel being like a signet then signifies the reestablishment of the line leading to the Messiah, the King of Israel. Even though he himself did not reign as king, the royal line is maintained through him from David until the coming of Jesus.

Life application: It is good to read various translations of the Bible. This can help get us “unfixed” from what may be mistranslated in some translations at any given point in the Bible. For example, as seen above, the NKJV Jeremiah 22:30 says

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Write this man down as childless, A man who shall not prosper in his days; For none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah.’”

If that was correct, then there would be a problem because Zerubbabel descended from Coniah (Jeconiah). However, a literal translation of the verse says –

“Thus said Yehovah, ‘Write the man [ish], the this, childless. Man [gever] not prospers in his days. For not prospers from his seed man [ish], sitting upon throne David and ruling again in Judah.’”

The literal translation opens the possibility for a later generation to reassume the signet, continuing on until the time of Jesus. When doing a thorough study of genealogies or technical issues, it is especially important to check things out. If you are not well versed in how to check the original languages, once you have found a possible disparity, then you can go to someone who may be able to identify which translation is correct.

Be sure to not get captivated by a single translation. They are man’s rendering of God’s word. Translators will hopefully do their best to be accurate, but translational mistakes, even in good translations, can be as common as stones in a riverbed.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful word. It tells us of Jesus. Help us to be responsible as we read, contemplate, and study it. May we handle it carefully and attentively all our days. To Your glory. Amen.

Wyoming Capitol.

Thursday, 18 July 2024

Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. Matthew 1:11

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers upon the Babylon deportation” (CG).

The previous verse ended with the words, “and Amon begot Josiah.” The listing now continues with, “And Josiah begot Jeconiah.”

The record now skips once again. In 2 Kings 23, while referring to Josiah, it says –

“Then his servants moved his body in a chariot from Megiddo, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in his father’s place.
³¹ Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. ³² And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. ³³ Now Pharaoh Necho put him in prison at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and he imposed on the land a tribute of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. ³⁴ Then Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Pharaoh took Jehoahaz and went to Egypt, and he died there.” 2 Kings 23:30-34

After that, in 2 Kings 24, it then reads –

“Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? ⁶ So Jehoiakim rested with his fathers. Then Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place.” 2 Kings 24:5, 6

It is this person, Jehoiachin, also known as Jeconiah, that was carried to Babylon as is recorded in 2 Kings 24:8-12. Jeconiah is also known elsewhere as Coniah. His name, when recorded as Jehoiachin, means Yah Establishes. With that noted, Matthew next says, “and his brothers.”

A great fuss is made about this because nothing is said of him having brothers. But this dismisses two points. The first is that just because no brothers are recorded, it would be an argument from silence to say he had none. But more, the term “brothers” is used throughout Scripture to indicate many things that extend well beyond actual brothers, even to speaking of all of the people of a tribe or the nation of Israel.

Understanding this, there was an exile. At that time, Jeconiah was a part of it, along with others within the land. These things occurred, according to Matthew “upon the Babylon deportation.”

Like the noting of David, the king in verse 6, this is now the second key in Matthew’s chronology of the genealogy of Jesus. As it says in verse 17 –

“So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.”

Matthew is forming a narrative based on key events to reveal necessary information for us to contemplate.

Life application: The result of Israel’s continued disobedience, culminating in the wickedness of Manasseh, was for the nation to receive the promised punishment of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. For example –

“I will bring the land to desolation, and your enemies who dwell in it shall be astonished at it.
³³ I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste.
³⁴ Then the land shall enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies’ land; then the land shall rest and enjoy its sabbaths.
³⁵ As long as it lies desolate it shall rest—
for the time it did not rest on your sabbaths when you dwelt in it.” Leviticus 26:32-35

Israel failed to pay heed and the people were sent into exile after much famine, sword, and plague. Likewise, the world has the warning that it too will be judged for its wickedness. The book of Revelation is written. Nothing will change what is coming. Thus, like Israel’s woes, the calamities that lie ahead are a global self-inflicted wound.

What man needs, first and foremost, is reconciliation with God. Without that, there is no hope for the human soul. But once one comes to Him through His offering of Jesus, reconciliation is made. This doesn’t mean an easy walk without troubles will be the result. But it does mean that when this walk is over, He promises us an eternity of life in His presence.

Be sure to accept the gospel and receive God’s restoration for your soul. After that, be sure to tell others about it as well. Bad times lay ahead for humanity. Do what you can now to help people avoid what is coming.

Lord God Almighty, despite our walking away from You and living lives in a manner which is at enmity with You, You were willing to send Jesus to bring us back to Yourself. What manner of love is this! Thank You for making the first move in our reconciliation. Now, all You ask us to do is believe. Soften our hearts, O God. Help us to reach out in faith and be saved! Amen.

Capitol grounds, Wyoming.

Wednesday, 17 July 2024

Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. Matthew 1:10

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And Hezekiah begot Manasseh, and Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah” (CG).

The previous verse ended with, “and Ahaz begot Hezekiah.” The record now continues with, “And Hezekiah begot Manasseh.”

Manasseh is first mentioned in 2 Kings 9:21. However, the detailed record of his reign begins in 2 Kings 21 –

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. ² And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.” 2 Kings 21:1, 2

So wicked was this king that the record goes on to say –

“Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), ¹² therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle. ¹³ And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. ¹⁴ So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become victims of plunder to all their enemies, ¹⁵ because they have done evil in My sight, and have provoked Me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.’” 2 Kings 21:11-15

Manasseh was not unlike a couple of recent Democrat presidents of the United States. The record of the things he did is strikingly similar to many actions of these wicked men. Manasseh means He Shall Forget and also From a Debt. Matthew next records, “and Manasseh begot Amon.”

Amon is first mentioned in 2 Kings 21:18. The details of his reign go on to say –

“Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. ²⁰ And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done. ²¹ So he walked in all the ways that his father had walked; and he served the idols that his father had served, and worshiped them. ²² He forsook the Lord God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the Lord.” 2 Kings 21:19-22

He was eventually killed by the servants in his own house. Another bad king bites the dust. His name means A Nourisher, A Nurse, Master Workman, or maybe even Mother(land). Some Greek texts call him Amos. Matthew next records, “and Amon begot Josiah.”

Josiah is first mentioned in 2 Kings 21:24. However, the details of his righteous rule begin in 2 Kings 22 –

“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. ² And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” 2 Kings 22:1, 2

The note that he did right, like David, is striking. So exceptional were the actions of Josiah, that he is normally remembered today as Good King Josiah. He was one of the good guys.  He restored right worship to the nation. Good job Josiah! His name means something like Yah Heals, Fire Made by Yehovah, or something along those lines.

Life application: Manasseh was one bad dude. He is remembered almost exclusively as a terrible person. He was eventually carried away to Babylon. However, while a prisoner in Babylon, this is recorded in 2 Chronicles –

“And the Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen. ¹¹ Therefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon. ¹² Now when he was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, ¹³ and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.” 2 Chronicles 33:10-13

Despite all of his wickedness, when he turned back to the Lord in his heart, the Lord restored him to his people, his land, and his position of authority. The record of his life ends well with good deeds and burial in his own house.

The Lord is unimpressed with your bank account, your position at work, or the estate you may dwell in. These things do not define a person.

The Lord is not impressed with the position of President of the United States, and just because someone is in that position, it does not mean he is either godly or deserving of any notice by the Lord at all. The only thing the Lord is evaluating is the intent of the heart.

Wicked presidents will someday be chucked into the Lake of Fire. However, because of the nature of the Lord God, if those people change their minds about Him, turn to Him, and receive Jesus as their Savior by believing in His gospel, they will be saved. God doesn’t want anyone to perish. This is true of King Manasseh, and it is true of wicked men who fill the office of president, prime minister, chancellor, etc.

The Lord is gracious and forgiving. Pray for your leaders concerning salvation. If they humble themselves, God will heal them. In turn, they may have an effect on healing the land in which you live.

Lord God, may we be careful to pray for the turning of our wicked leaders. Though it may be a long shot, it can happen. King Manasseh humbled himself before You, and those who lead us, no matter how despicable, may be willing to do so too. So, Lord, soften our hearts enough to pray for their salvation. May it be so. Amen.

Liberty Bell replica. Wyoming Capitol.

Tuesday, 16 July 2024

Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Matthew 1:9

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And Uzziah begot Jotham, and Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah” (CG).

The previous verse finished with the words, “and Joram begot Uzziah.” The ongoing genealogy continues with, “And Uzziah begot Jotham.”

The first note of Jotham replacing his father is noted in 2 Kings 15:7. However, the main commentary on his time as king is recorded later in 2 Kings 15 –

“In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, began to reign. ³³ He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. ³⁴ And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. ³⁵ However the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord.” 2 Kings 15:32-35

The name Jotham means Yehovah is Upright. He was a good king according to the overall record of his reign. Next Matthew records, “and Jotham begot Ahaz.”

In Judah’s record, there are good kings and there are bad kings. In this case, the guy was a dud. He is first noted in 2 Kings 15:38. However, the main record of his time as king begins in 2 Kings 16. There it says –

“Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God, as his father David had done. ³ But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel; indeed he made his son pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out from before the children of Israel. ⁴ And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.” 2 Kings 16:2-4

The record of King Ahaz continues through all of 2 Kings 16. He is also mentioned in Isaiah’s famous prophecy concerning the coming Messiah highlighted in Isaiah 7:14. His name means He Has Grasped or Possessor. As noted, he is remembered as a bad king. With that, Matthew continues with, “and Ahaz begot Hezekiah.”

Hezekiah is first mentioned in 2 Kings 16:20. The record of Hezekiah’s reign begins in detail in 2 Kings 18, and it continues through 2 Kings 20. Of him, the record says –

“Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea the son of Elah, king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. ² He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. ³ And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done.” 2 Kings 18:1-3

As such, he is considered a good king of Israel. It was during his reign that the northern tribes of Israel were taken into exile. His name means Yah Strengthens.

Life application: In these three kings we have two generally considered good and one whose record defines him as bad. These people made their choices in life, just as each one of us must do. A large portion of our responsibilities extends beyond our immediate selves as well.

If we have children, it is our responsibility to instruct them in the ways of the Lord. If we fail to do that, the chances of them turning out to be losers will be much greater than if we are careful to do so. And yet, there are bad children that come from good parents and good children that come from failed parents.

Even good parents who instruct their children may be a bit overbearing in how they do so. One cannot beat Jesus into a child. Rather, parents need to live out their lives loving Jesus, directing their children to Him, but not forcing Him upon them. As with any normal relationship, people tend to turn against being forced to do things.

There is no set answer in how to raise children because each is an individual who will eventually make his or her own decisions, but the more attention we give in raising them in a proper and godly manner, the better the chances are that they will eventually also follow the Lord.

Time is short and children grow up fast. Don’t delay doing what you should be doing, and be sure to continue doing it all your days. Little eyes are watching. Little minds need to be filled. Do your best while you have the time. Tell the next generation about the goodness of the Lord. This early and often instruction will at least set the next generation on the right path.

Lord God, help us as we raise the next generation of children. The world is getting more and more opposed to the message of Jesus. Perversion is everywhere. The odds are stacked against our children, and we need to be alert and responsible in how we raise them. Help us in this, please. Give us wisdom and strength to bring them to a right understanding of our precious Lord. Amen.

Spirit of Wyoming Plaque. Wyoming Capitol.

Monday, 15 July 2024

Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Matthew 1:8

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And Asa begot Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah” (CG).

The previous verse finished with the words, “And Abijah begot Asa.” The ongoing genealogy continues with, “And Asa begot Jehoshaphat.”

The record of Jehoshaphat is first found in 1 Kings 15:24. However, the narrative at that time switches to the line of the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat is not mentioned again until 1 Kings 22. The summary of his life is found there saying –

“Jehoshaphat the son of Asa had become king over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. ⁴² Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. ⁴³ And he walked in all the ways of his father Asa. He did not turn aside from them, doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Nevertheless the high places were not taken away, for the people offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.” 1 Kings 22:41-43

The name Jehoshaphat means Yah has Judged or Yah Judges. He was a good king of Judah. Matthew next records, “and Jehoshaphat begot Joram.”

This king is called both Jehoram (2 Kings 8:16) and Joram (2 Kings 8:23). Of him, it says –

“He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. ¹⁸ And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord.” 2 Kings 8:17, 18

As such his record defines him as a bad king. His name means Yah is High or Yah is Exalted. With him out of the way, Matthew next skips three generations of kings: Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah. He also omits the reign of Athaliah, the wicked queen who usurped the throne upon the death of Ahaziah, her son. Athaliah was the daughter of Omri, King of Israel. He was a bad king.

Joash (aka Jehoash) was a good king during the time of his instruction under Jehoiada the priest. Eventually he was killed and Amaziah, his son, reigned. Amaziah was an ok king, “yet not like his father David” (2 Kings 14:3). Eventually, a conspiracy was formed against him and he was killed. That is when his son Azaiah (aka Uzziah) replaced him. This is where Matthew’s genealogy continues. As it says, “and Joram begot Uzziah.”

He is first noted in 2 Kings 14:21. Azariah means Yah Has Helped. Uzziah means something like Strength of Yah or Yah is My Strength. Azariah (Uzziah) was considered a good king over Israel, but he became prideful, attempted to offer incense to the Lord in the temple (a duty that belongs to the priest alone), and he was struck with leprosy till the day he died. He lived in an isolated house apart from the people and he was cut off from the house of the Lord.

Life application: There are various suggestions as to why Matthew skips generations in his genealogy. One is that the three generations were omitted to keep the record of generations totaling fourteen to maintain the pattern set forth in Matthew 1:17. This is obvious, but it does not explain why he chose that pattern or why he chose these three to be omitted.

There is the suggestion that the three omitted kings were descended from Jezebel and that this is then explained by the words of the second commandment –

“For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Exodus 20:5, 6

That is reasonable, but it may not be the case as well. The word “begot” does not necessarily mean from one generation to the next. Jesus was begotten of all of the people named in His genealogy, being a product of each of them. Therefore, it is not necessary to include all the names.

Despite the difficulties in this genealogy, especially when compared to that of Luke’s found in Luke 3, there is no known ancient dispute against them by detractors of the Christian faith. They were considered reasonable and reliable from the very beginning. And more, there are possible explanations for all of the complexities found in them. Referring to the innumerable written commentaries available on them will provide reassurances that these records are acceptable as valid representations of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Lord God, Your word is big, it is often complicated, and it has mysteries that take careful consideration. And yet, for those who are willing to put in the effort of searching, comparing, and contemplating what is recorded in it, there are always answers that can be found to even the most difficult issues. Thank You for Your word which challenges us to seek You out more and more, no matter how much we already know. Amen.