The Ancient Witnesses

178 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

I had, of course, noticed that the number forty is often mentioned in Scripture, though I could not say why. In Augustine’s view the “mystical number,” like God’s promises to Abraham, predicted the emergence of a people—Israel—specially set apart to God, and this in turn predicted the emergence of a champion—the Messiah, Jesus. “Notice,” continued Augustine, “that Matthew marked out three sets of fourteen generations each, stating that from Abraham until David there were fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon another fourteen generations, and another fourteen from that period on to the nativity of Christ. 11 “But that totals forty-two generations,” I said, “not forty .” “Ah,” the Bishop countered, “but Matthew did not add them up, saying they make forty-two all together, for one of the ancestors—Jechonias—is counted twice to compensate for the extra nations at the time of the Babylonian exile.” 12 Cesar and I were confused by this, as Augustine probably noticed from our expression. “Be that as it may,” he continued, “both Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels mainly set forth the humanity of Christ: for it was according to His humanity that Christ was made both King and Priest. To Him, too, God gave the throne of His father David, in order that of His kingdom there should be no end. And this was done with the purpose

11 Same as previous note.

12 Same as previous note.