Matthew's Genealogy and Politics - pt. 2 - Rahab and Bathsheba

MATTHEW 1

RAHAB

Rahab was a prostitute who lived in the city of Jericho. During her years the city of Jericho was filled with the rumors of slaves who escaped Egypt, wandered in the desert for 40 years and were moving Northward toward their city. They had heard about how those same slaves had taken down powerful cities and how that group was coming closer and closer to their own city.

During this fearful time 2 strangers walked into the city. How the 2 men ended up at her house is a mystery, but what happened afterward is recorded. The 2 men were spies from the slaves - from the people of Israel. Rahab knew that her people would know who the 2 strangers were, so she hid them and protected them in exchange for her life and the lives of her family.

In order to save her life, Rahab betrayed her people delivering them over to their certain death. But in Israel she became a hero.

BATHSHEBA

Bathsheba's husband was at war as she took a bath on the roof of her house, purifying herself from her monthly period. When she finished king's messengers were at her door to bring her to the king himself. Although we don't know if she gave herself willingly or out of fear, we do know that she had sex with King David, she got pregnant and in order to protect her and the King's reputation, King David gave orders to have her husband killed.

After her mourning she moved into the palace with the king and gave birth to a child who died shortly after birth. The second child however survived and later became the next king in Israel and the next in line to be the ancestor in the genealogy of Jesus.

POLITICS

-Tamar nobly and diligently followed cultural and political duty even to the endangerment of her life.
-Ruth did the same, and although her life was never in danger, her reputation was. Ruth also left her people, nation and family in order to stay with Naomi and secure her survival and safety.
-Rahab turned her back on her people and government in order to protect her life and her family's lives.
-Bathsheba was King David's Monica Lewinsky, but much worse.

CONCLUSION

The 4 women in Jesus' ancestry were all tied to sexual scandals to one degree or another. One can only surmise that these scandals introduce us to the story of Mary the mother of Jesus who likewise faced sexual scandal. Out of the four women who precede her, Mary is closest to Tamar and Ruth who, although faced the appearance of scandal were in fact blameless and godly in their intentions and their actions.