gospel of matthew

[jochrislim]

Mathhew's genealogy is this, which makes the reference of 5 women unusual

[lynneuk74]

The genealogy in Matthew is to link Abraham to David and then David to Jesus - to show the fact that Jesus fulfilled OT prophecies of being from the line of David.

Hence why some are female - the importance is in showing that Jesus is of the line of David and, further back, of Abraham.

Hope that makes sense!!!

[Octavius]

Matthew's genealogy mentions men, which is characteristic of all other Bible genealogies, and then makes a point of mentioning a harlot and a (supposedly eternally cursed) Moabite woman. This brings the geneology into conflict with the portrayal of Gentile women as dogs later in the gospel and introduces moral hypocrisy, in that Christ, was descended from Gentile dog women, then Matthew had the hypocritical nerve to snub them later in his gospel.

More here

[Clanad]

My filter won't allow opening of Octavius' link, so I can't see his reference. However, it should be noted that, according to Genesis chapter 38, Tamar, whom I believe Octavius references, wasn't a prostitute. She did imitate one, which enabled her to remain in the family of Judah. So I'm not sure if this criticism holds water. Secondly, although Tamar (Joshua Chapter 2) is a harlot as well as a Cannanite, it's clear that she has decided, in her heart as well as her mind, to enter into a covenant agreement, (displayed by the reference to the scarlet cord) with the God of Israel. Thirdly, Ruth, the Moabitess,(Ruth 1:4) to whom Octavius must refer, clearly has also determined to forsake the god of her forefathers and enter the covenant relationship with the God of Ysrael. So, finally, I have to discern that Octavius' describes the incident in Matthew 15: 21-28 as the basis for the "portrayal of Gentile women as dogs" comment. I would argue that a fair reading of the passage indicates Jesus is simply emphasizing His priority of being Ha Mesach to the nation of Ysrael. But when the Cannanite woman persists, Jesus commends her great faith and heals her. Although I would certainly grant anyone the right to alternative interpretations of any Covenant writings, I honestly don't think this one is valid.
It is important, in understanding the genealogy listed here as well as Luke to keep in mind one is the lineage for Joseph, the husband of Mary and one is for Mary. I think that helps in clarification of the differences usually noted...

[gunslinger_f]

The word would be "patriarchal" but it doens't fit in the crossword you MIGHT be working on.