Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

matthew1

Of which then is it necessary to speak first? How the Virgin is of David. How then shall we know that she is of David? Hearken unto God, telling Gabriel to go unto 'a virgin betrothed to a man (whose name was Joseph), of the house and lineage of David.' What now wouldest thou have plainer than this, when thou hast heard that the Virgin was of the house and lineage of David? Hence it is evident that Joseph also was of the same. Yes, for there was a law, which bade that it should not be lawful to take a wife from any other stock, but from the same tribe. And the patriarch Jacob also foretold that He should arise out of the tribe of Judah, saying on this wise: 'there shall not fail a ruler out of Judah, nor a governor out of his loins, until He come for Whom it is appointed, and He is the expectation of the Gentles.' St. John Chrysostom, Homily on the Gospel of St. Matthew