1. The more one weighs this verse, the more one sees the Gospel characterized by it. It is the Heir of promise. Promise sustaining royalty, restoring favor and power, all failed in the flesh, as Christ proved.
Compare here Romans 1:33Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (Romans 1:3). Yea, as to even this also, we may say Rom. 4:11What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? (Romans 4:1), for all this ends in death. It is not the declaration of the life in which He lives, though His actual life is spoken of here, but in such terms—it is "of whom was born" (ex hes egennethe).
17. Note there is an entire break at the captivity; the computation begins afresh after it, and does not go through continuously as with David. It is from the carrying away captive into Babylon, not from Josias; compare verses 11, 12.
18, 19. All this provision is remarkable. It is interesting thus to be let in behind the scenes.
20. "Appeared to him by dream" (kat' onar). The end of this verse is a wonderful fact.