So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
This genealogy proves a title, like evidence in court: it establishes that Jesus is the son of David and son of Abraham, from the nation and family out of which the Messiah was to arise. Abraham and David were the great trustees of the promise. Whoever would have interest in Christ as the son of Abraham must be a faithful subject to Him as the son of David, by whom all families of the earth are to be ruled.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 1:1-17
Matthew divides the genealogy into three parts matching the threefold state of Israel: under Patriarchs and Judges, under Kings, then under Princes and Priests. He counts fourteen generations in each division, though he omits names to achieve this number, seventeen generations actually fall between David and the captivity, but he includes only fourteen for symmetry and his purpose.
AI summary
The Jews divided genealogies into equal portions to aid memory, just as a soldier might organize a regiment into companies. Though not strictly accurate, this method served their purpose well. Three great events nearly divided their history into equal parts: Abraham, David, and the Babylonish captivity, each spanning about fourteen generations.
AI summary