and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though these names are presented as a simple lineage, the list intentionally highlights how God works through imperfect and even corrupt lines to bring about His perfect plan, showing that His faithfulness doesn't depend on human flawlessness. This lineage includes kings who led Israel into idolatry, yet they still fathered the next generation, reminding us that God’s redemptive history continues despite human failure.
and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse continues Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage through King Solomon and the kings of Judah. It follows the line from David's son Solomon, through his successors Rehoboam and Abijah, highlighting the royal Davidic line that was promised to bring the Messiah. The verses immediately before and after fill out this royal portion of the ancestry, showing the continuation of this significant line towards Jesus.
This verse is just a string of names, but behind each one lies a story of God's unwavering plan. Even amidst the messes people made, God kept His promises.
The Unfolding Plan
The genealogy in Matthew isn't just a historical record; it's a testament to God's faithfulness. We see kings like Solomon, whose reign started strong but ended in division and idolatry, followed by his son Rehoboam, who continued down a difficult path. Rehoboam’s son, Abijah, and his grandson, Asa, also had their struggles.
Lessons from Their Lives
Why list all these names? Matthew’s genealogy isn't just about proving Jesus' royal lineage; it’s about revealing God’s sovereign hand in history.
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More Than Just Names
This passage, though appearing as a simple list, serves crucial purposes:
This verse is part of Jesus' genealogy, tracing his lineage through the kings of Judah. It highlights the historical reality of the divided kingdom and the subsequent exile, underscoring the promise of a future king from David's line despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
c. 975 BC
Solomon's Death and Rehoboam's Accession
Following King Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascends the throne of a united Israel. His harsh response to the people's grievances leads to the division of the kingdom.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Division of the Kingdom
Ten northern tribes secede from Rehoboam's rule, forming the Northern Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam. The Southern Kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, continues under Rehoboam.
c. 915 BC
Reigns of Rehoboam and Abijah
Rehoboam reigns for 17 years in Judah, followed by his son Abijah (also called Abia) who rules for 3 years. Their reigns are marked by conflict with the Northern Kingdom and religious instability.
c. 913 BC
Asa's Reforms in Judah
Abijah's son, Asa, becomes king of Judah and reigns for 41 years. He initiates significant religious reforms, removing idolatry and restoring worship of the Lord.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Babylonian Empire conquers Jerusalem and destroys the Temple, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile for the people of Judah.
This passage directly corresponds to Matthew's account, detailing Solomon's death and Rehoboam's ascension, confirming the historical accuracy of this lineage.
2 Chronicles 13:1-2This passage provides more detail about Abijah (Abijah), highlighting his reign and his mother, offering a richer context to this figure in the genealogy.
Ruth 4:18-22This passage provides the lineage from Perez to David, showing the earlier part of the same royal line that continues through Solomon in Matthew's genealogy.
Jeremiah 22:30This prophecy concerning Jehoiakim, a descendant of David, underscores the theme of divine judgment on the royal line, which makes the inclusion of kings like Rehoboam significant, as their reigns held consequences for the future of Israel.
bensonMatthew 1:7: "And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;"
Matthew 1:7 . And Solomon begat Roboam — From whose government ten of the tribes revolting, chose Jeroboam for their king, who, to prevent them from returning to their subjection to the house of David, introduced the worship of the golden calves, and led the whole nation into the dreadful crime of gross idolatry; a crime from which they were never totally reclaimed, and which was the chief source of their misery…
bengelMatthew 1:7: "And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;"
Matthew 1:7 . ἐγέννησε , begat ) Bad men, even though they are useless to themselves in their lifetime, do not exist in vain; since by their means the elect even are brought into the world.
Even though these names are presented as a simple lineage, the list intentionally highlights how God works through imperfect and even corrupt lines to bring about His perfect plan, showing that His faithfulness doesn't depend on human flawlessness. This lineage includes kings who led Israel into idolatry, yet they still fathered the next generation, reminding us that God’s redemptive history continues despite human failure.
This verse continues Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage through King Solomon and the kings of Judah. It follows the line from David's son Solomon, through his successors Rehoboam and Abijah, highlighting the royal Davidic line that was promised to bring the Messiah. The verses immediately before and after fill out this royal portion of the ancestry, showing the continuation of this significant line towards Jesus.
This verse continues Matthew's genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage through King Solomon and the kings of Judah. It follows the line from David's son Solomon, through his successors Rehoboam and Abijah, highlighting the royal Davidic line that was promised to bring the Messiah. The verses immediately before and after fill out this royal portion of the ancestry, showing the continuation of this significant line towards Jesus.
"and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah," — Even though these names are presented as a simple lineage, the list intentionally highlights how God works through imperfect and even corrupt lines to bring about His perfect plan, showing that His f…
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Last reviewed October 2026