(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took [to wife] a daughter of Levi.
A man from the family of Levi took a woman also descended from Levi as his wife.
Now a man of the house of Levi married a daughter of Levi,
And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.
And there went{H3212} a man{H376} of the house{H1004} of Levi{H3878}, and took{H3947} to wife a daughter{H1323} of Levi{H3878}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Providence:** The verse hints at God's oversight in the lives of individuals, as the marriage of a Levite man and woman would later result in the birth of Moses, a key figure in Israel's liberation.
- **Lineage and Heritage:** The emphasis on the tribe of Levi underscores the importance of ancestry and tribal identity in the Israelite community, which was crucial for priestly roles and inheritance laws.
- **Foreshadowing:** The union of this couple sets the stage for the narrative of Moses, whose life will significantly impact the Israelite nation.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The event takes place during the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, which began when Joseph brought his family to Egypt during a famine. Over time, the Israelites grew in number and were eventually enslaved by the Egyptians.
- **The Tribe of Levi:** Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel) and a patriarch of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites were later designated for priestly duties and temple service.
- **Egyptian Oppression:** At this time, the Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be thrown into the Nile River, fearing the growth of the Israelite population. This sets a dire backdrop for the birth of Moses, who would be saved from this edict.
- **The Future of Moses:** The parents mentioned in Exodus 2:1 are the biological parents of Moses, who would eventually be adopted by Pharaoh's daughter and raised in the Egyptian court. Moses' dual upbringing would play a significant role in his leadership of the Israelites and his ability to negotiate with Pharaoh.
In summary, Exodus 2:1 introduces the reader to the ancestry of Moses within the context of the oppressed Israelites in Egypt, highlighting themes of divine providence, tribal identity, and foreshadowing the pivotal role Moses will play in the deliverance of his people.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)