Matthew 01:18 The Foreshadowing of the Virgin Birth – Lives Potentially Threatened

In the foreshadowing of the virgin birth, Mary is foreshadowed by Rebekah. In today’s parallel – the biblical passages imply that Mary and Rebekah’s lives were potentially threatened by their pregnancies. The terminology in Matthew 1:18 is suggestive that Mary faced a trial similar to that described in Numbers 5:14-28 and that she was “found” to be with child from the Holy Spirit as she claimed. When Mary said, “let it be to me according to your word” she was agreeing to risk her life to bear the Son of God.

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way: when his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to disgrace her, was resolved to divorce her quietly.

Genesis 25:22 The children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is thus, why do I live?"

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Previously:

The accounts of Mary and Rebekah both start with an angel sent by God – Luke 1:26/Genesis 24:7,40

Both Mary and Rebekah were virgins who were betrothed to a man – Luke 1:27/Genesis 24:16,51

Both Mary and Rebekah were selected by God - Luke 1:30/Genesis 24:14,44

Both Mary and Rebekah consented to being selected by God Luke 1:38/Genesis 24:57-58

Both Mary and Rebekah went with haste and told their relatives what had happened Luke 1:36,39/Genesis 24:28

Both Mary and Rebekah are blessed by their relatives - Luke 1:42/Genesis 24:60

God provided information about the future of Mary and Rebekah’s unborn children and the nature of their pregnancies Matthew 1:20/Genesis 25:23