Exodus 6:23

And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

And Aaron {H175} took {H3947} him Elisheba {H472}, daughter {H1323} of Amminadab {H5992}, sister {H269} of Naashon {H5177}, to wife {H802}; and she bare {H3205} him Nadab {H5070}, and Abihu {H30}, Eleazar {H499}, and Ithamar {H385}.

Aharon married Elisheva daughter of 'Amminadav and sister of Nachshon, and she bore him Nadav, Avihu, El'azar and Itamar.

And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

And Aaron took him Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

Commentary

Exodus 6:23 is part of a significant genealogical record presented in Exodus chapter 6, which establishes the lineage of Moses and Aaron before God fully initiates the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This verse specifically details the family of Aaron, Moses' elder brother, who was designated by God to be the first High Priest of Israel. It lays the groundwork for the priestly line that would serve God throughout Israel's history.

Context

In Exodus 6, after Moses expresses doubt about his mission, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. To underscore the divine authority behind Moses and Aaron, the chapter provides their family lineage. Verse 23 focuses on Aaron's immediate family, highlighting his marriage to Elisheba and the birth of their four sons. Elisheba's lineage is also noteworthy: she is the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Naashon. Naashon was a prominent figure, a prince of the tribe of Judah, and an ancestor in the royal line of David and ultimately, of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament genealogies.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Lineage: This verse underscores God's meticulous planning in establishing the Levitical priesthood through Aaron's family. Every detail, including who Aaron married and the names of his sons, was part of God's sovereign design for Israel's spiritual leadership.
  • Significance of Genealogy: Biblical genealogies are not mere lists; they are foundational to understanding God's covenant promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The connection between Aaron's priestly line and the tribe of Judah through Elisheba's brother Naashon signifies the interconnectedness of God's purposes for both the priesthood and the future kingship.
  • Foundation for Future Events: The birth of Aaron's four sons is crucial for the future of the priesthood. While Nadab and Abihu would later tragically die for offering unauthorized fire, Eleazar and Ithamar would continue the priestly line, ensuring the continuity of sacred service and the administration of the Tabernacle and Temple rituals.

Practical Application

Though a genealogical record, Exodus 6:23 reveals God's intentionality and precision in preparing individuals and families for His service. It reminds us that God works through specific people and lineages to accomplish His purposes, often in ways that are not immediately apparent but become profoundly significant over time. It teaches us to appreciate the seemingly small details in God's Word, as they often lay the groundwork for major theological truths and prophetic fulfillments. This verse also implicitly highlights the importance of spiritual legacy and the consequences of obedience or disobedience within a sacred calling, as seen in the later fates of Aaron's sons.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ruth 4:19 (7 votes)

    And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

  • Ruth 4:20 (7 votes)

    And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

  • Numbers 2:3 (6 votes)

    ¶ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:10 (5 votes)

    And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;

  • Numbers 1:7 (5 votes)

    Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:3 (5 votes)

    And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • Matthew 1:4 (4 votes)

    And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;