Matthew 1:3 Commentary and Bible Study

The Lord Jesus Christ was born in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet without sin (Romans 8:3; Hebrews 4:15). This was certainly not true of his ancestors however, for he came to redeem a fallen race and he was born into that race. Four women are named in the genealogy, and Mary is also named at the end. In each of these four cases, there is something remarkable about the woman, and it is remarkable that they should find their place in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ. In all other generations, the mother of the child is not even mentioned, so that these four stand out.The birth of Phares (Perez) came about through an illicit union between Judah and Tamar. She was the wife of his oldest son Er, who had been slain by the Lord for his wickedness. Er’s younger brother, Onan, had failed to perform the duty of a husband to her, and Judah had further failed to provide his younger son, Shelah, for her, once he came of age, and had broken his word to her. Tamar therefore disguised herself as a harlot and conceived a son via Judah himself. This dreadful moral mess resulted in twins being born, the oldest of which was Zara (Zerah). But it was not Zara who stood in the line of the Messiah, but Phares who came out last but who put his hand out first, and was marked with the midwife’s scarlet thread. Thus he took the place of honour from his brother.