This paper examines how the so-called formula quotations in the first section of Matthew’s Gospel (Matt 1:1–4:16) work together to portray Jesus as ‘fulfilling’ (πληρόω) key Old Testament (OT) themes. While scholarship often treats each of Matthew’s formula quotations in isolation, this paper argues that in 1:1–4:16 they function collectively to connect Jesus with Israel, the Davidic king, and the Servant of the LORD —establishing a narrative strategy through which Matthew integrates OT themes to present Jesus as the one in whom Scripture finds its anticipated fulfillment.
Proceeding in two general parts, the paper first demonstrates that the OT frequently presents an individual as embodying or representing the corporate people of Israel. Two key figures in this regard are the Davidic King and the Servant of the LORD. Both Israel corporately (e.g. Exod 4:22–23; Hos 11:1) and the Davidic kingly heir (e.g. 2 Sam 7:14; Ps 2:7) are referred to as God’s son, indicating the king’s representative role on behalf of the people/nation. In similar fashion, Isaiah depicts the Servant of the LORD in both corporate and individual terms. Sometimes the Servant appears as Israel as a whole (e.g. Isa 41:8–9), while elsewhere the Servant is distinct from corporate Israel yet represents them (e.g. Isa 49:1–6). Isaiah and subsequent prophets also link this same Servant figure to Davidic kingship. Taken together, these texts offer a thread connecting corporate Israel, the Davidic king, and the Servant of the LORD.
The paper’s second part argues that each of the formula quotations in Matt 1:1–4:16 connects to some aspect(s) of this OT thread. The interpretive payoff is seeing continuity of purpose in the narrator’s careful selection of OT texts: Each text points to Jesus as promised representative of Israel. This representative role interlocks with the larger context of Matt 1:1–4:16, where Jesus is portrayed as the messianic figure who embodies and fulfills Israel’s story.