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Exodus 6:20

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And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years.

And Amram {H6019} took {H3947} him Jochebed {H3115} his father's sister {H1733} to wife {H802}; and she bare {H3205} him Aaron {H175} and Moses {H4872}: and the years {H8141} of the life {H2416} of Amram {H6019} were an hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970} and seven {H7651} years {H8141}.

'Amram married Yokheved his father's sister, and she bore him Aharon and Moshe. 'Amram lived to be 137 years old.

And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

And Amram took him Jochebed his father’s sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were a hundred and thirty and seven years.

Commentary

Exodus 6:20 is a pivotal verse within a genealogical record that details the lineage of the Levites, specifically focusing on the family of Moses and Aaron. It states, "And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years." This verse provides crucial background for understanding the family origins of two of the most significant figures in Israel's history.

Context

This verse appears in the midst of a detailed genealogy in Exodus chapter 6, which traces the descendants of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. The purpose of this specific genealogical listing is to establish the credentials and family background of Moses and Aaron, particularly as God is about to use them to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. Knowing their lineage from the tribe of Levi was important, especially for Aaron's future role as the high priest. The mention of Jochebed being Amram's "father's sister" (his aunt) indicates a marital practice that was acceptable in that early patriarchal period, before the specific prohibitions against such unions were later given in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Leviticus 18:12).

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence in Lineage: The verse highlights God's meticulous preparation of leaders. Moses and Aaron were not random individuals but part of a specific, divinely ordained family line within the tribe of Levi, chosen to serve God's purposes.
  • The Priestly Line: By explicitly naming Aaron as a son of Amram and Jochebed, this verse lays the foundation for Aaron's future role as the first High Priest of Israel, establishing the hereditary nature of the priesthood within the Levites.
  • Biblical Genealogy's Importance: This genealogical entry, like many others in Scripture, underscores the Bible's emphasis on historical accuracy and the significance of family lines in God's redemptive plan. It connects the deliverers directly to the promises made to Abraham.

Significance and Application

Exodus 6:20, though seemingly a simple biographical detail, carries profound significance. It reminds us that God works through specific people, chosen and prepared within particular contexts. The fact that Moses and Aaron came from this documented lineage underscores God's sovereignty and His intricate planning. Their parents, Amram and Jochebed, are presented as ordinary individuals through whom God brought forth extraordinary leaders. This should encourage us that God often uses humble origins and seemingly ordinary families to accomplish His grand purposes, preparing individuals for their calling long before their public ministry begins, as seen in Moses' call in Exodus 3:10. It also subtly illustrates the progressive nature of God's law, where what was permissible in one era (like marrying an aunt) was later restricted as God established a more defined covenant with His people.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:59 (5 votes)

    And the name of Amram's wife [was] Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom [her mother] bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.

  • Exodus 2:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took [to wife] a daughter of Levi.

  • Exodus 2:2 (5 votes)

    And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child], she hid him three months.

  • Exodus 6:16 (3 votes)

    And these [are] the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi [were] an hundred thirty and seven years.

  • Exodus 6:18 (3 votes)

    And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath [were] an hundred thirty and three years.