Matthew 1:17

Fourteen generations; the equality of the numbers-fourteen generations thrice repeated-is made out by certain omissions. See notes on Matthew 1:8; Matthew 1:11. This squaring of numbers in the construction of genealogical tables seems to have been a common expedient for the assistance of the memory. In determining, however, the names to be omitted, the framers of these tables were doubtless guided by particular reasons. Thus some suppose that the three kings, Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah, were left out of the Jewish tables on account of their connection, through Athaliah, with the accursed house of Ahab.