Who Was the Husband of Matred in the Bible?
The husband of Matred is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the genealogy of Esau, who is also known as Edom. This reference appears in Genesis 36:39, where Matred is identified as the mother of Mehetabel, the wife of Hadad, a king of Edom. The Bible does not provide the name of Matred’s husband, nor does it offer detailed information about him. However, his inclusion in the genealogy serves a specific purpose in the biblical narrative.
Context of the Edomite Genealogy
The genealogies in the Bible, including those of the Edomites, are significant for several reasons. They provide a historical record of the descendants of important biblical figures, such as Esau. Esau, the brother of Jacob, became the progenitor of the Edomites, a people who played a crucial role in the history of the ancient Near East. The genealogy in Genesis 36 outlines the descendants of Esau and their subsequent rulers, including those who ruled in Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites.
The mention of Matred and her husband in this genealogy underscores the importance of lineage and ancestry in the biblical narrative. These genealogies are not merely historical records; they are also theological documents that trace the fulfillment of God’s promises and the unfolding of His plan through the generations. The inclusion of seemingly minor figures, such as the husband of Matred, highlights the continuity of God’s covenant promises and the broader narrative of salvation history.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Value of Every Person in God’s Plan
The brief mention of Matred’s husband in the genealogy of Esau serves as a reminder that every person has value in God’s overarching plan. While this individual is unnamed and appears only briefly in the biblical record, his inclusion signifies that every life is significant in the eyes of God. For modern Christians, this emphasizes the belief that each person, regardless of their prominence or obscurity, has a unique role to play in God’s kingdom. This lesson encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the worth of every individual, both in the church and in the broader community.
The Importance of Understanding Biblical Genealogies
The genealogies in the Bible, including the one that mentions Matred and her husband, are often overlooked or skimmed over by readers. However, they serve an important purpose in tracing the lineage of key biblical figures and demonstrating the fulfillment of God’s promises. For modern Christians, understanding these genealogies can deepen their appreciation of the biblical narrative and the continuity of God’s work throughout history. It also highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises across generations.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogical record in Genesis 36, including the mention of Matred’s husband, reflects God’s faithfulness across generations. These records are not just about documenting lineage; they are about showcasing God’s ongoing relationship with His people. The preservation of genealogies underscores God’s commitment to His covenant promises, as He continues to work through the descendants of key figures like Esau. For modern believers, this serves as a reassurance that God’s faithfulness is not limited to the past but extends to the present and future.
The Inclusivity of God’s Plan
The inclusion of Edomites in the biblical genealogies, even though they were not part of the covenant people of Israel, highlights the inclusivity of God’s plan. God’s concern and care extend beyond the boundaries of Israel to include all nations and peoples. This reflects God’s universal love and His desire for all people to come to the knowledge of Him. For Christians today, this underscores the importance of recognizing the value of all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity, and the call to share the message of God’s love and salvation with everyone.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Lineage Leading to Christ
The genealogies in the Bible, including those of the Edomites, ultimately point toward the coming of Jesus Christ. While the genealogy of Esau is distinct from that of Jacob (Israel), it still plays a role in the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus, born from the line of David, fulfills the promises made to the patriarchs and embodies the culmination of God’s plan for humanity. The detailed genealogies remind believers of the interconnectedness of the biblical narrative and the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ.
The Universality of Salvation
While the Edomites, descendants of Esau, were not part of the covenant people of Israel, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is universal. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection broke down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, offering salvation to all who believe (Ephesians 2:14-16). This universal scope of salvation reflects the inclusive nature of God’s love and the global reach of the gospel. For modern Christians, this emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Christ’s love and redemption with all people, regardless of their lineage or background.
Conclusion
The mention of the husband of Matred in Genesis 36:39, though brief and unnamed, is significant within the context of the Edomite genealogy. This reference highlights the value of every individual in God’s plan, the importance of understanding biblical genealogies, and the faithfulness of God across generations. For modern Christians, these genealogical records offer valuable lessons about the inclusivity of God’s plan and the fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ. They encourage believers to appreciate their place in God’s story, recognize the worth of every person, and share the message of Christ’s love and salvation with the world.