Editing Matthew 1:7 (section)

==Analysis==
This part of the list coincides with the list of the [[Kings of Judah]] that is present in a number of other parts of the [[Bible]]. Unlike other parts of Matthew's genealogy this list is fully in keeping with the other sources. The first listed is King [[Solomon]] of Israel who is said to have reigned c.[[962 BC]] to c.[[922 BC]].  The genealogy then follows is that of the [[kings of Judah]], beginning with [[Rehoboam]] whose reign [[William F. Albright]] dates from [[922 BC]] to [[915 BC]].  Rehoboam's son [[Abijah of Judah|Abijah (also written as "Abia")]] ruled from his father's death for two years and his son [[Asa of Judah]] ruled from [[913 BC]] to 873 BC. Rehoboam is most noted for presiding over the breakup of his kingdom and a civil war between the tribes of Israel. His son Abijah had a brief and unsuccessful reign. Asa's long reign was more successful.<ref>[[William F. Albright|Albright, W.F.]] and C.S. Mann. "Matthew." ''[[The Anchor Bible Series]].'' New York: Doubleday & Company, 1971.</ref>

[[Robert H. Gundry]] believes that the addition of a "φ" to Asa's name is an attempt to link the king to [[Psalms of Asaph|Asaph]], to whom [[Psalm 78]] is attributed, while Psalm 78 contains important [[Messiah|messianic prophecies]].<ref>[[Robert H. Gundry|Gundry, Robert H.]] ''Matthew a Commentary on his Literary and Theological Art.'' Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1982.</ref> [[Raymond E. Brown]], and most other scholars feel this is more likely an error than a scheme and most translators of the Bible "correct" Matthew in this verse. Who made the error is uncertain. The author of Matthew could have been working from an incorrect source, he could have made the error himself, or an early copier of the Gospel could have added the letter.<ref>[[Raymond E. Brown|Brown, Raymond E.]] ''The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in Matthew and Luke''. London: G. Chapman, 1977.</ref>