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Fourteen Generations
Topic Started: Sep 15 2012, 04:43 AM (87 Views)
MarkStaneart
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In the Hebrew philosophy of Gamatria (the assigning of theological significance to a numeric value), the number “14” demonstrates a complete cycle on both sides: seven to the left and seven to the right, signifies absolute equality and justice. The number is first used in this way in Numbers 29, starting with verse 13, when at the festival of Sukkot (or Tabernacles) each day an offering is made that includes 14 lambs of the first year. This particular festival is significant in that it is the only biblical celebration that specifically invites all the nations of the world to join in participation (Deuteronomy 16:13-15). The number 14 is also found in the description of the 3rd Temple in Ezekiel 43. The altar of sacrifice, found in the Temple courtyard is to be 12 cubits in length and width. Beyond that, a “settle” or a boarder is to expand by two cubits, fourteen cubits in length and width. The significance of the number 14 is the demonstration of completeness in purification. The number is established to have a christocentric quality, adding up the valuation of the letters to the name of David.

Each period demonstrates a unique element of God’s Covenant relationship with the people Israel. From Abraham to David, the relationship is based upon faith toward a given promise. From David until Jechoniah, there is a relationship of grace and providence. Upon the Babylonian exile, the relationship changes to characteristic of justice and rehabilitation. This is followed by reconciliation in Christ. This same pattern is followed in the restorative nature of the way God deals with each of us: probably most clearly outlined in Isaiah chapter 1. We are instructed as to what is necessary to walk in intimacy with God. We are warned of the impending consequences should we not change our mode. Corrective discipline is inevitably delivered because we have refused to humble ourselves and change direction. The relationship is finally restored and we are given new opportunity.

Matthew makes it clear, though, that the condition of this relationship is not isolated to the specific parties directly involved. The phrase “and his brethren” appears distinctly at two places in this description of the validation of Yeshua as the Messiah. We see it when Judah, the son of Israel is mentioned, as Israel is initially removed from the land to be held in the bondage of the Egyptians. Then, again, the same phrase is repeated when Jechoniah and his brethren are carried away into bondage. It appears clear that the intended message is that the influence of the covenantal relationship through this individual tribe has direct consequence impacting the entire nation.

What is more, the women who are specifically mentioned in this commemoration (Rahab the harlot, Ruth the Moabitess, and the wife of Urias the Hittite) were all gentile. The fact that Bathsheba is not specifically mentioned may be to accentuate the outsider position. It is commonly speculated that she was, indeed, Jewish; but was married to an outsider because of injustices committed by her father. (David is, then, in Jewish tradition, exonerated for what appears to be a gross impropriety, as restoring a daughter of Israel into the Covenant.) Whether or not this story is true is irrelevant. It would have been known to the audience of Matthew, thus the emphasis upon her having been married to a Hittite further demonstrates the significance of the inclusion of the gentiles in this account.

The account of the genealogy is a demonstration of the course of events outlined as early as the Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32). The people of Israel are chosen by God and accept Him as Lord, then abandon Him to follow after other gods, disciplined by God and cast throughout the world as a light to the gentiles, then reconciled to Him. The lineage outlined by this narrative sets the stage to establish why Messiah must come and why this time is the reasonable point to expect His appearing.
Visit Mark Staneart at www.renewourdays.com
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