“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.”– Exodus 6:20 (KJV)
“Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she gave birth to his sons Aaron and Moses. Amram lived to be 137 years old.”– Exodus 6:20 (NLT)
“Amram married his aunt Jochebed, and she gave birth to his sons, Aaron and Moses. Amram lived to be 137 years old.”– Exodus 6:20 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 6:20 Mean?
This verse recounts a significant moment in the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. We see that Amram, the father of Moses, takes his aunt Jochebed as his wife. This may seem unusual to us today, but in biblical times, such marriages were not uncommon, especially among the Israelites. They often married within their family to keep their bloodlines pure and significant. The mention of Jochebed emphasizes her importance as the mother of two prominent figures in the Bible, Aaron and Moses. Both of these individuals played crucial roles in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, showing us how God’s plans often involve specific families and individuals.
The mention of their ages, particularly Amram’s, gives us a sense of the long lives lived during this time. It also underscores the historical context of the narrative’s setting. The longevity of individuals can sometimes lend a powerful connection to the past, fostering the continuation of a family legacy through generations.
Exodus 6:20 Explanation and Commentary
Exodus 6:20 provides us with a snapshot of a family dynamic that is pivotal in the history of Israel and their relationship with God. Understanding this scripture helps us appreciate the lineage of Moses and Aaron, leading us to grasp the significance of their roles in the Exodus story. This passage is particularly noteworthy because it lays the groundwork for the events that follow, where God appoints Moses as His messenger to Pharaoh, facilitating the Israelites’ freedom from bondage.
When Amram marries his aunt Jochebed, it might raise eyebrows today due to modern cultural norms. Yet, we must recognize that in patriarchal societies where lineage was viewed as vital, these relationships were often strategic. It represented a familial bond that was celebrated rather than denounced. God’s involvement in this union signifies His overarching purpose. By choosing such specific individuals to bring forth His chosen leaders—Moses and Aaron—it shows us how God orchestrates events according to His plans.
Furthermore, the essence of this scripture highlights the importance of family in biblical narratives. Within these families lie destinies intertwined with God’s mission. This verse offers a reflection on our familial relationships and the significance they hold in shaping our lives and faith paths. God’s choice of Amram and Jochebed reminds us that He often works through familial ties and structures.
Furthermore, as we embrace this passage, we notice God’s hand in the instruction of upcoming events in the book of Exodus. Through Moses and Aaron, God will reveal His power to the world and deliver His people from oppression. It is fascinating to see how God chooses specific individuals to fulfill His purpose, and it speaks volumes about the importance of understanding our roles within our families and communities.
Context of Exodus 6:20
To appreciate this verse fully, we must look at its context within the broader narrative of Exodus. The Israelites had found themselves shackled in Egypt, laboring under Pharaoh’s harsh rule. They were crying out to God for deliverance. In this dire situation, God was preparing to send Moses—who was raised in Pharaoh’s household yet chosen to lead His people out of slavery. Knowing the backstory of Moses and his family helps tie these events together beautifully.
Before this event, we see that Moses had fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian. He felt unworthy of God’s call but was reassured by God, who revealed His name as “I Am.” This promise and assurance were key motivations for Moses as he returns to Egypt, equipped with the purpose to save his people. Thus, this verse becomes especially significant, as it roots Moses’ identity and purpose in his lineage. God was working through familial lines to achieve His divine will. This reality grounds the narrative in historical context, allowing us to better understand the significance of each character’s role.
As we reflect on the context, we can also draw parallels to our own lives. We each have roots that define us. The legacies we inherit influence who we are and how we carry ourselves today. God may use our backgrounds and families to propel us into our destinies. Just as Moses came from a unique family dynamic that played a crucial part in God’s plan, we too can recognize that God uses our families for His glory.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 6:20
The components of this verse underscore various elements of biblical theology. Amram’s marriage to Jochebed reveals God’s intentionality in selecting individuals crucial to His plan. As we break down each word, we can find layers of meaning that help us understand not only the verse but the larger narrative at play.
The selection of Jochebed as Amram’s wife is significant. She is referred to as Amram’s father’s sister, indicating a close familial relationship. This points to the intertwining of family ties and God’s design for the coming generations. We can think of this as God’s way of ensuring that His methods are shrouded in divine wisdom, sometimes leading us to question human understanding.
By stating that they bore Aaron and Moses, the scripture establishes the foundations of the priestly line through Aaron and the prophetic line through Moses. This distinction is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for the Levitical priesthood that we encounter later in the narrative. This verse becomes a pivotal moment because it emphasizes how specific choices lead to monumental outcomes: families that obey God often influence the collective destiny of a nation.
This context also reinforces how God often uses ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. Amram and Jochebed were not kings or renowned leaders; they were part of a lineage that God saw fit to redeem His people. This reality invites us to reflect on our lives and encourage others to answer the call God places on each of us.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 6:20
As we take time to ponder Exodus 6:20, we uncover valuable lessons that can shape our spiritual journeys. Understanding family ties and God’s purpose can inspire us to embrace our heritage while actively seeking God’s direction along our paths. We learn that God has a plan that connects not just individuals but families and generations. He takes the ordinary and elevates it to accomplish His divine will.
One of the most powerful lessons here is about the importance of family. God can work through our families to impact lives both now and into the future. We are reminded that our family members play key roles in our lives, whether intentionally or inadvertently. Families can be a source of strength, support, and encouragement. As we reflect on our relationships, we can look for moments where God has used our families to guide us in our spiritual growth and decision-making.
Moreover, we see the significance of legacy. Each individual may affect countless others—including future generations. By examining our actions, we can consider how they will be viewed in the future. Are we building families and communities that honor God? These questions inspire us to strive for intentional living aligned with God’s purpose for our lives.
Lastly, this scripture reminds us of God’s sovereignty. He orchestrates events and individuals to fulfill His plans, reminding us that our circumstances may serve a greater purpose than we may realize. When facing challenges, we should keep faith and trust in God’s divine provision. He often has a more extensive plan in motion that we can’t yet see.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on Exodus 6:20, we discover profound insights into God’s craftsmanship through familial legacies. This verse reminds us that individuals and families play essential and interconnected roles in God’s plans. The lives of Amram, Jochebed, Moses, and Aaron illustrate how God often blesses and uses those who may appear to be ordinary, yet are chosen for extraordinary purposes.
As we embrace the teaching in this verse, we can also inspire ourselves to cultivate deep relationships within our families. By seeking to honor God through our unity and love, we create an environment for growth and perseverance. Let us remember that our heritage enriches our spiritual journey and that God’s plans are often revealed through the story of our families.
If you’re eager to learn more about various biblical stories and themes, consider exploring [Matthew 11](https://biblerepository.com/matthew-11/) or check out the account of [Genesis 18](https://biblerepository.com/genesis-188/). There are many insights waiting for you to uncover!