Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 1:12-16

"And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel; and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." — Matthew 1:12-16 (ASV)

With one or two exceptions, these are names of persons of little or no note. The later ones were persons altogether obscure and insignificant. Our Lord was a root out of dry ground, a shoot from the withered stem of Jesse. He placed little value on earthly greatness. It was necessary for Him to be of the human race, but He comes to a family which was of low estate and there finds His reputed father, Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth. He is the poor man’s King. He will not disdain any of us even if our father’s house is small in Israel. He will condescend to men of low estate.

Wonder surpassing all wonders—the Word, by whom all things were made, was Himself made flesh and dwelt among us! He was born of a human mother, even of the lowly virgin, Mary. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same. Our hearts would anoint with sweet perfume of love and praise the blessed head of Him who is called Christ, the Anointed One.