Overview
Esli appears in Luke's genealogical account as a descendant of David and ancestor of Jesus Christ. While little is known about Esli individually, his inclusion in Luke 3 demonstrates God's sovereign preservation of the messianic line throughout Israel's history, even during periods of exile and return.
Key Scriptures
"Esli, the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda" (Luke 3:25, ESV).
"So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations" (Matthew 1:17, ESV).
Application
Esli's obscure but essential place in Christ's lineage encourages believers that God faithfully works through ordinary lives and generations to accomplish His redemptive purposes.