Articles
Scripture read through its people and the lines between them
How Is Absalom Related to David?
Absalom is David’s third son and Solomon’s older half-brother. He is not on Matthew’s list — yet every king of Judah after Rehoboam descends from him on the mother’s side, and the text says exactly how.
How Is Bathsheba Related to Jesus?
Bathsheba is the mother of Solomon, which puts her in the genealogy the New Testament opens with. Matthew has to include her and refuses to write her name — and Luke, taking a different son, goes through her as well.
How Is Lot Related to Abraham?
Lot is Abraham’s nephew: his father Haran was Abraham’s brother. The part worth staying for is what happens after they separate — both nations descended from Lot’s sons marry back into the line that runs to Jesus.
How Is Ruth Related to Jesus?
Ruth is the great-grandmother of King David, which puts her in the direct line to Jesus. The interesting part is not the chain itself. It is that Matthew went out of his way to name her.