What is the meaning of Matthew 1:10? Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh “ Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh ” (Matthew 1:10) • Hezekiah stands out as a king who “trusted in the LORD” (2 Kings 18:5) and led sweeping reforms, restoring temple worship (2 Chronicles 29–31). • The mention of his fatherhood reminds us that God’s covenant promise to David (2 Samuel 7:16) moved forward through literal, biological succession—righteous Hezekiah physically begetting Manasseh. • The contrast between Hezekiah’s faithfulness and his son’s early wickedness highlights that salvation history advances by God’s faithfulness, not human merit (2 Timothy 2:13). • God preserved the Messianic line even while assyria threatened Judah (2 Kings 19:34-35); the genealogy proclaims His protection of that line in real time and space. Manasseh the father of Amon “ Manasseh the father of Amon ” (Matthew 1:10) • Manasseh reigned the longest of Judah’s kings (2 Kings 21:1) and plunged the nation into idolatry, even shedding innocent blood (v. 16). • Yet 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 records his late-life repentance, proving no sinner is beyond God’s reach. • God’s promise to keep David’s throne (Psalm 89:30-37) endured despite Manasseh’s offenses—grace outlasted rebellion. • The verse records that this once-apostate king “fathered Amon,” underscoring that the covenant line never skipped a generation; God works through flawed people to accomplish perfect purposes (Romans 8:28). Amon the father of Josiah “ Amon the father of Josiah ” (Matthew 1:10) • Amon followed Manasseh’s earlier sins and reigned only two years before his servants assassinated him (2 Kings 21:19-26). • His name in the genealogy still matters: it bridges wicked Manasseh to godly Josiah, showing that a dark chapter can precede a bright one in God’s story. • Josiah, Amon’s son, became one of Judah’s most faithful kings, turning to the LORD “with all his heart” (2 Kings 23:25). God can raise a righteous leader from an unrighteous home. • Jeremiah later praised Josiah’s justice (Jeremiah 22:15-16), affirming that true reform flowed from a genuine heart, not mere policy. summary Matthew 1:10 strings together three generations to declare that the Davidic line—righteous and unrighteous alike—marched steadily toward the birth of Christ. In highlighting Hezekiah’s devotion, Manasseh’s sin and repentance, Amon’s failure, and Josiah’s revival, the verse showcases God’s sovereignty over history, His unwavering covenant commitment, and His grace that weaves even human failure into the fabric of redemption. |