Nathan (son of David)

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Nathan was the son of King David and Bathsheba. He was a younger brother of Solomon. He was David's third son born in Jerusalem.

According to the Zohar (Shlach 173,2), Moshiach (the Jewish Messiah) will descend from Nathan. Since Yo'ash was the only descendant left from the house of David (Kings 2, 11) it follows that Yo'ash must have descended from Nathan. This is also the opinion of Philon, quoted in Seder Hadoros. The view of the Talmud (Horios 11,2) however is that Yo'ash came from Achazia, who came from Solomon.

It is interesting to note that in Maimonides' first writings (Igeres Teiman Ch. 3, commentary to Mishnayos, and Sefer Hamitzvos Loi Sa'asei 362), the author believed that Moshiach would come from King Solomon. In Sefer Hayad, Maimonides' final Hallachik work, the author only mentions King David as Moshiach's prerequisite ancestor. King Solomon is not mentioned.

Consequently, Maimonides' final ruling accords with the teachings of the Zohar, the most important work of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.

See also Likeutei Sichos Vol. 33 pg. 98 where the author explains that where there is an argument between Kabbalah and Talmud, the former should be followed.

Alternatively, it could be explained that Moshiach is a direct paternal descendant of King David, whilst King Solomon might only be his maternal ancestor. This fits well with the wording of Maimonides' in his commentary to Mishnayos where he writes that Moshiach is from the House of David, and from the seed of Solomon. If Moshiach's paternal grandfather was Solomon, he should have stated that he was "From the House of David and Solomon".

Finally, it should be pointed out that in reality it does not matter whether or not one must trace Moshiach back to King Solomon. Since Yo'ash was the only remaining descendant of King David, the ability to trace an individual back to King David is, by default, sufficient.