How does Genesis 11:10 connect to the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1? Shem’s Branch in the Family Tree “This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad.” (Genesis 11:10) • Genesis 11:10 begins a detailed list of names stretching from Shem to Abram (later Abraham). • Shem → Arphaxad → Shelah → Eber → Peleg → Reu → Serug → Nahor → Terah → Abram (Genesis 11:10-26). • These ten generations form the bridge between the post-Flood world and God’s covenant with Abraham. From Abraham to Messiah Matthew 1:1-16 traces Jesus’ legal line: 1. Abraham 2. Isaac 3. Jacob 4. Judah … (continuing through Boaz, David, Solomon, the exile, and Joseph) 17. Jesus the Messiah Because Genesis 11:10 anchors Abraham firmly in Shem’s line, every name that follows in Matthew 1 stands on that same foundation. Shem’s record is therefore the opening link in the unbroken historical chain that Matthew completes in Christ. Key Connections to Notice • Continuity: Scripture moves seamlessly from Genesis 11:10 through the patriarchs to the Gospels, reaffirming one consistent story of redemption. • Covenant Flow: Shem’s descendants receive God’s promise through Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3); Matthew shows its fulfillment in Jesus (Matthew 1:21-23). • Prophetic Expectation: Genesis establishes the seed line (cf. Genesis 3:15); Matthew identifies Jesus as that promised Seed. • Legal and Blood Lines: Matthew provides the royal/legal descent; Luke 3:36 explicitly lists “Shem … Arphaxad” for the biological line—both resting on Genesis 11:10. Why It Matters • Reliability: Exact names in Genesis surface again in Matthew, underscoring Scripture’s historical precision. • Redemption Storyline: Seeing Jesus rooted in Shem and Abraham reminds us that God’s plan for salvation has been unfolding since the earliest chapters of the Bible. • Faithfulness of God: From post-Flood renewal (Genesis 9-11) to the birth of Christ (Matthew 1), the same God preserves, guides, and completes His promises. |
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