Exodus 6:23 - Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

Generated Verse: Exodus 6:23

What does "Exodus 6:23" mean?


This verse in Exodus 6:23 is a straightforward genealogical statement. It provides the following information:

Aaron took Elisheba as his wife: This establishes the marital connection between Aaron, a prominent figure in the Bible (brother of Moses and the first High Priest), and Elisheba.

Elisheba was the daughter of Amminadab: This identifies Elisheba's father, placing her within a specific lineage.

Elisheba was the sister of Nahshon: This is another crucial piece of information. Nahshon was a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus, a significant tribe in Israel. This connection to Nahshon suggests that Elisheba came from a prominent and respected family within Israel.

She bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar: This lists the four sons that Elisheba bore to Aaron. These sons are important because they served as priests alongside their father. However, Nadab and Abihu later died due to offering "strange fire" before the Lord (Leviticus 10). Eleazar and Ithamar continued the priestly line.

In Summary, the verse's significance lies in:

Establishing Aaron's family: It shows who his wife was and who his sons were.
Highlighting Elisheba's background: It emphasizes that Aaron married into a prominent family within the tribe of Judah. This would have strengthened Aaron's position and influence within the Israelite community.
Setting the stage for the priestly lineage: These sons were crucial for establishing the priesthood that would serve in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The mention of their names connects them directly to the divine appointment of the priesthood and their roles within it.
Providing historical context: The verse situates these individuals within the broader historical narrative of the Exodus and the establishment of the Israelite nation.

In essence, this verse is not just a list of names but a piece of foundational information for understanding the background of the priesthood, the lineage of important figures, and the social connections within early Israelite society.

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