Dr. Couch, I understand that Jeconiah (Coniah) was cursed and that none
of his descendants could prosper sitting on the throne of David (Jer.
22:24, 28; 37:1). And yet he is found in Joseph’s lineage in Matthew
1:11. How do we explain this?
ANSWER: This is really simple. While it is true Jeconiah is in the line of
Joseph, when it speaks of his lineage, the reference is to Jeconiah’s
physical children being prospered while sitting on the throne of David
and ruling in Judah (22:30). Joseph is in the line of Jeconiah and yet
was only Christ’s “legal” father, i.e. Joseph could pass on the right to
rule even through his “step son,” Jesus Christ. Jesus was a “natural”
and physical son of Mary and also of the house of David, as was Joseph.
Thus, Christ is “legally” of the promised
messianic line through Joseph but the natural son of David, and of the
messianic line, through Mary.
This entire story shows the great care God
took to make prophetic prediction and yet to stay within the full
framework of what had gone before! Our Bible is indeed inspired!
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch
