Seams of Covenantal Preservation
Abstract
As the hinge of a door provides the turning point on which a door swings, the Gospel
of Matthew presents the covenant promises from Abraham to Jesus in its opening genealogy as
hinging upon the women named in it. These seams act as turning points between the covenant
promises. The five mothers listed in the line of Christ — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and
Mary — act as covenant seams through which the Abrahamic promises of seed, land, blessing,
and kingship are preserved and brought to fulfillment. This paper first demonstrates the
significance of the genealogy, considers the importance of women to it, and finally moves
through narrative analysis and historical-theological exegesis to show how Matthew names each
one in a crescendo arriving at the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
of Matthew presents the covenant promises from Abraham to Jesus in its opening genealogy as
hinging upon the women named in it. These seams act as turning points between the covenant
promises. The five mothers listed in the line of Christ — Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and
Mary — act as covenant seams through which the Abrahamic promises of seed, land, blessing,
and kingship are preserved and brought to fulfillment. This paper first demonstrates the
significance of the genealogy, considers the importance of women to it, and finally moves
through narrative analysis and historical-theological exegesis to show how Matthew names each
one in a crescendo arriving at the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Daniel Sisler
Pastor of Preaching and Teaching
I grew up in Western Maryland where I graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Mechanical engineering. I have served in campus ministry with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) at Frostburg State and Garrett College. After working as an engineer for several years, I moved to working full-time in vocational ministry. I am a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where I focused in Biblical Counseling and Greek Exegesis. I am married to my beautiful wife, Lynette and we have four wonderful children.
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