5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. 6 Jesse was the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah. 7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa. 8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah.

The ancestors of Jesus include many less than admirable characters. Matthew, the author, himself had a background of blatant dishonesty and self-indulgence—he was formerly a turncoat who used his service of Roman tax collecting to extort his countrymen. His inclusion of those like Tamar and now Rahab reflects his great appreciation for the mercy and grace of God.

Rahab was most likely the well known prostitute of Jericho who showed faith in rescuing the 12 spies sent out by Joshua at the end of the exodus wanderings. Directly related to Rahab was the godly man Boaz and his wife Ruth (see the book of Ruth for details.) While Boaz was clearly a godly man in his background and upbringing, Ruth was a Moabitess, and as such was raised as an idol worshipper. Yet, like Rahab, she recognized the God of Israel as the one true Divinity, and is included as one of four women specially mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy.

Boaz and Ruth’s great-grandson David is well known, both for being the greatest of all the Israelite kings and for his involvement in the most well-known extra-marital affair of all history—namely that with the wife of Uriah (some translations supply her name, Bathsheba)! She is the third woman mentioned. That this relationship is even mentioned bodes significant not only for Jesus’ rightful claim to the Davidic throne, but also to God’s grace evident in Jesus’ heritage. No sin is too great to completely block God’s blessing.

David’s son, Solomon, considered the wisest man ever, ended his life in foolishness, falling into idolatry. His book of Ecclesiastes has warned people ever since of the vanity of life lived apart from God. Following Solomon was his unwise son Rehoboam, under whose incompetent leadership Israel divided into two nations. The northern kingdom, known as Ephraim, fell headlong into idolatry. The dynasty of King David continued in the southern kingdom, called Judah, though with checkered spirituality. Conflict between the two nations reigned from that point on.

Lord, thank you for the heritage of godly people and redeemed people who have gone before us. We stand in Your grace and mercy. Amen.