Matthew Chapter 1

Fourth time, new plan, 2/26/21

The first 17 verses are the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph.  Jesus' earthly father's genealogy.  This is the one that has the 14's in it, that many dispute and I believe are demonstrably compressed.  There are many explanations for this.  I am satisfied that the Bible is not disproved by this.

Beginning in 18 we have the story of Jesus' birth.  Says right up front that Mary was pregnant before she was married.  Joseph decides NOT to shame her, NOT to react with pride.  An angel comes to Joseph in a dream.  The angel's name is not mentioned.  (In Luke Gabriel went to both Mary and Zachariah.  Joseph is not mentioned.)  The angel tells Joseph to go ahead and marry Mary, because the child she carries is not conceived in sin, but is from the Holy Spirit.  Then we get Matthew's first "appeal" to the OT:

23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). [Mat 1:23 ESV]  (MSB gives three OT references here, all from Isaiah: 7:14, 9:6,7, 8:10.)

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. [Isa 7:14 ESV]

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [Isa 9:6 ESV]  I don't see how MSB can say this verse is evoked by Matthew 1, and especially I don't see this verse in Matt 1:21-23.  Well...maybe the God with us part, because one of the names is Mighty God, and Immanuel means God with us.  This is the connection. 

10 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us. [Isa 8:10 ESV]  Here too.  This time the words are there, how this is connected with Matthew is a little bit of a stretch for me.  Probably because I don't understand Isaiah 8.

Joseph marries Mary, and remains celibate until after she gives birth, and names the son Jesus.  The wording says Joseph woke up, and did what the angel had said.  Perhaps he married Mary that very day.  They were already betrothed.  Perhaps, according to Jewish marriage customs, he had prepared a place for her, but had not arrived to take her home.  But he went and got her the day after this angel appeared.