Wednesday, 27 August 2008

3 x 14 generations

Hey, just read this from the internet.. http://www.lifeofchrist.com/life/genealogy/matthew.asp

Three Divisions

The three divisions of Matthew's genealogy are:
  1. Abraham to the reign of King David (Matthew 1:2-6).
  2. David's kingdom to the Babylonian captivity (Matthew 1:6-11).
  3. Release from Babylonian captivity to Christ (Matthew 1:12-16).

Names in Matthew's Account
The names in each division appear below.

Abraham to David David to Captivity Release to Christ
Abraham David Jeconiah
Isaac Solomon Shealtiel
Jacob Rehoboam Zerubbabel
Judah Abijah Abiud
Perez Asa Eliakim
Hezron Jehoshaphat Azor
Ram Joram Zadok
Amminadab Uzziah Achim
Nashon Jotham Eliud
Salmon Ahaz Eleazar
Boaz Hezekiah Matthan
Obed Manasseh Jacob
Jesse Amon Joseph
David Josiah Jesus Christ

In mt 1:17, stated:
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abrahamm to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ. (NIV)

So, pretty clear that there were 42 generations in total from Abraham to Jesus(3 x 14 = 42)

But why is it 14 generations with 3 divisions?
The number fourteen is composed of ten plus four. Four signifies creatures (Rev. 4:6); ten signifies fullness . Hence, fourteen signifies the creatures in full. Fourteen generations being multiplied by three indicates that the Triune God mingles Himself with the creatures in full.
This genealogy is of three sections: the section of the fathers, the section of the kings, and the section of the civilians, which includes the captured ones and the recovered ones. God the Father corresponds with the section of the fathers, God the Son with the section of the kings, and God the Spirit with the section of the civilians. This too indicates the mingling of the Triune God with His human creatures.
Three times fourteen is forty-two. Forty is the number for trials, temptations, and sufferings (Heb. 3:9; Matt. 4:2; 1 Kings 19:8). Forty-two signifies rest and satisfaction after trial. The children of Israel traveled through forty-two stations before they entered the good land of rest. The millennial kingdom as a rest will come after the forty-two months of the great tribulation (Rev. 13:5). After all the generations of trials, temptations, and sufferings, Christ came as the forty-second generation to be our rest and satisfaction.

http://www.recoveryversion.org/matthew.html#5_c


Hmm, what do u girls think? I dont really understand the rev4:6 about the four living creatures and why forty-two signifies rest and satisfaction after trial...

1 comment:

alyssa ng said...

Wow wee! Thanks Carol!

Really interesting material eh? Notice that each division signifies a different covenant between people and God? ie Abraham, Davidic covenant and the new covenant (JC).

I've heard of the number 40 regarding trials and tribulations. But never heard of the number 42 and its connection to rest/peace and Rev.

Good search Carol!

Other girls: quickly contribute! :)