Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

In this Chapter the genealogy proceeds in relation in the family of David. Here are recorded an account of his sons, of his successors in the kingdom, and of the descendants in his family after the captivity.

The race of David was considered so important to register, that the Holy Ghost before numbered them, and called them by their names. 2 Samuel 3:2-5. And elsewhere we find, that both on the reputed father's side, and on the mother's, after the flesh, Jesus sprung from the seed of David. Matthew 1:6; Luke 3:31; 2 Timothy 2:8.

Observe, that as the Holy Ghost is only careful to preserve the lineal descent of David's family in a faithful register, with an eye to Jesus, no mention is made of the names of David's children by his concubines.

The register from Solomon is here made in a correct succession, even to the time beyond the captivity. And it is remarkable how long, David's race, the sceptre continued in his family. It was broken in upon, indeed, at the captivity; but I believe not before seventeen kings had sprung from him in a regular succession from father to son. The childish tradition of the Jews, that Anani, which is the last-mentioned name in this Chapter, meant the king Messiah, because the Prophet Daniel hath a similar expression when he saith, one like the Son of Man came in Anani (the clouds of heaven) Daniel 7:13, I should not have noticed, but with this view, only to show how much alive the Jews were in all ages of the church to the expectation of this king Messiah. And as this Anani was after the period of the captivity, doth it not imply that then it was the Jews looked for the coming of the Lord Jesus? Alas! what blindness must have happened to Israel, in rejecting the Lord of life and glory. Reader! what a sweet thought is that, when Jesus came unto his own, and his own received him not; to as many as received him (mark that, for doth it not include both Writer and Reader?) gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. And pray observe further; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man but of God. Precious, precious consideration to every true believer in Christ. Surely, Reader! if the Lord hath given to you and to me to believe in his dear name, we may by happy faith say as the disciple did for himself and his few faithful brethren; The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we have beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. John 1:11-14.

REFLECTIONS

READER! it is hardly possible to read the genealogy of David's race without connecting with it our recollection of David's sorrow in his children. What a grief were many of his branches! Well might he say, Although my house be not so with God! And what is the relief to a sorrowful parent in the contemplation of the degeneracy and impiety of his offspring but what David found; God's covenant love in Jesus. Oh, my brother! if you and I can say as he did, then Shall we find the supporting consolation he found! Y et (saith he) hath the Lord made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure; and this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

Reader! let us indulge one sweet thought more over this Chapter. We behold here the succession of David's children, and we know that that succession led to Jesus after the flesh. Oh! then, let the recollection direct our thoughts and our affections to him, (in whom the genealogy of David centered) even to all precious Jesus. To thee, thou blessed Lord Jesus, would my soul direct all her contemplation! On thee would I fix my longing eyes! In thee shall I find the sum and substance of all desire. With thee would I eternally dwell; and from thee draw all my joy. Thou art both the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And while the Spirit and the Bride say, Come; and all the pressing invitations of thy holy word call upon me to come unto thee, do thou, blessed Jesus, add thine own gracious call, saying, Surely, I come quickly; then will my soul echo to thy voice, and with an holy fervor of desire answer, Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.