The text of Matthew 1:7-8 in the NTG²⁸ is viewed as having Ἀσάφ (Asaph) instead of Ἀσά (Asa). Then why did Matthew use Asaph? Scholarly thought is generally divided into two categories. First, the use of Asaph in 1:7-8 is understood in relation to the historical figure ‘Asaph’. Second, the use of Asaph in 1:7-8 is understood in connection with Matthew 13:35, where a psalm of Asaph, Psalm 78:2, is used. Among these, the second view seems more specific and plausible, however, the second view also has its limitations, as it does not provide a thorough exegesis of Matthew 1:7-8 through the Psalms of Asaph.
This paper will, therefore, comprehensively analyze the intent behind the mention of Asaph in 1:7-8 through two methods. The first method is to identify the central theme of the ‘Genealogy of Jesus’ (1:1-17), which includes Matthew 1:7-8. The text will be analyzed with a focus on its structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Subsequently, the theme of the descendants of Abraham and David will be examined by comparing how it appears in Jewish literature with Matthew 1:1-17. Through this, it will be revealed that the central theme of the genealogy is ultimately Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, by contrasting sinners who rebel against the covenant with the God who remains faithful.
How then is Asaph in 1:7-8 related to the theme of 1:1-17? There is scant information about Asaph, however, within the passage of 1:1-17, making it difficult to determine the intent behind the use of Asaph in those verses. For this reason, the second method is necessary, which involves analyzing the use of Asaph in Matthew 1:7-8 both directly and indirectly in relation to Psalm 78. In the first place, we can directly compare Matthew’s use of Asaph in 1:7-8 with the quotation of Psalm 78 by Asaph in 13:35. Next, we can indirectly compare the how Psalm 78 is used in both the New Testament and the Mishnah with how it is used in the Gospel of Matthew.
Through this, the article will argue that the purpose of recording Asaph (Ἀσάφ) in Matthew 1:7-8 is to emphasize Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, contrasting sinners who betray the covenant to God’s faithfulness to it, as seen in Psalm 78.