Jer 22:30/Mt 1:12 – The curse of Jeconiah
What about the curse of Jeconiah (Jer 22:24-30)?
22:30 The LORD says,
“Enroll this man in the register as though he were childless.
Enroll him as a man who will not enjoy success during his lifetime.
For none of his sons will succeed in occupying the throne of David
or ever succeed in ruling over Judah.”
According to 1 Chron 3:17 Jeconiah had seven sons (1 Chron 3:17).
So what does it mean that none of them would occupy the throne of David? And what does this mean for the genealogy of Jesus according to Matthew:
Mt 1:12 After the deportation to Babylon, Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel…
Various explanations have been given.
(1) The ‘curse’ applies only to Jeconiah’s immediate offspring.
(2) The ‘curse’ applies to Joseph’s line. But Jesus’ only natural parent – Mary – was of David’s line (Lk 3:31), but not through Jeconiah.
(3) Matthew is emphasising our Lord’s legal, rather than physical, title (so Osborne, Wilkins and others). Therefore, this does not invalidate Jesus’ claim to the throne, in Matthew’s eyes.
(4) The curse was reversed, subsequent to Jeconiah’s repentance. It appears from Hag 2:23 that Zerubbabel, Jeconiah’s grandson, was blessed, not cursed.
Hag 2:23 ‘On that day,’ says the LORD who rules over all, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ says the LORD who rules over all.”
See this, from Got Questions.