Probably for the same reason that Matthew mentions Rahab (who had been a harlot), Ruth (who had been an idolatrous Moabitess before she repented and joined the Israelite people), and Bathsheba (who committed adultery with David) -- perhaps to underscore that God works His will through men and women who are sinners? Or to contrast them with their descendant Mary the mother of Jesus?
In reply to <p>I still wonder why Matthew by Dan Hartjes
Probably for the same reason that Matthew mentions Rahab (who had been a harlot), Ruth (who had been an idolatrous Moabitess before she repented and joined the Israelite people), and Bathsheba (who committed adultery with David) -- perhaps to underscore that God works His will through men and women who are sinners? Or to contrast them with their descendant Mary the mother of Jesus?