Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 1:2

"Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren;" — Matthew 1:2 (ASV)

The omission of the names of Ishmael and Esau is explained by the fact that they were not in the line of succession and were outside the covenant with Abraham—In Isaac shall thy seed be called (Genesis 21:12); and Esau had forfeited both the birthright and the blessing. The brothers of Judah are named, on the other hand, because all who were descended from them had an equal interest in the Messiah.