was the father of
This phrase indicates the genealogical lineage, a common biblical method to trace heritage and fulfill God's promises through generations. In Hebrew culture, lineage was crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and fulfilling prophecies. The phrase underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises, as each generation plays a role in the unfolding of divine history. It reminds believers of the importance of family and the transmission of faith and values across generations.

Nahshon
Nahshon, whose name means "enchanter" or "oracle," was a prominent leader of the tribe of Judah. He is often remembered for his role during the Exodus, where he was the first to step into the Red Sea, demonstrating faith and courage. Nahshon's leadership and faith are emblematic of the qualities God desires in His people. His inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of faith-driven action and the courage to lead others in obedience to God's commands.

and Nahshon the father of
This continuation of the genealogical record emphasizes the importance of Nahshon's role in the lineage leading to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ. It reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen line through which the Messiah would come. The phrase serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history.

Salmon
Salmon, whose name means "garment" or "clothing," is a significant figure in the genealogy of Jesus. He is traditionally believed to have married Rahab, the Canaanite woman who aided the Israelite spies in Jericho, demonstrating God's grace and inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Salmon's role in the lineage underscores the theme of redemption and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, foreshadowing the inclusive nature of the Gospel. His presence in the genealogy highlights the transformative power of faith and God's ability to use unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.

Salmon--Heb., Salmah, though called Salmon in the next verse. In 1Chronicles 2:11 he is called Salma. Salmon may very probably have been one of the two spies sent to Jericho, who having been sheltered by Rahab, had repaid her kindness by marrying her.

It has been observed above that the smallness of the number of the generations hardly suits the long period of years here implied, and on the whole we are disposed to believe that some links of the chain have been dropped, and if so, then doubtless in the period before Boaz. Thus we may suppose that we have here the distinguished names, others of less note being passed over. Unless this is done we are forced to increase largely the average length of a generation, and suppose that most of these generations were children of their fathers' old age. We know from 1Kings 6:1 that from the Exodus to the fourth year of Solomon was 480 years. If we deduct from this forty years for the wanderings in the desert, then, seeing that David died at the age of seventy, we have for the period from the entrance into Canaan to the birth of David, 480-40-70-4 = 366 years. But if Rahab bears Boaz to Salmon only a few years after the beginning of this period, we have to cover nearly 366 years with three generations, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, which entails upon us the conclusion that each of the above three begat the specified son at the age of over a hundred, and that Salmon was also well advanced in years at his marriage. This, however, seems hardly credible, and the theory that one or two generations have dropt from the list is, at any rate, reasonable.

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