Exodus 6:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why did Moses reveal not just the father but also the brother of Aaron's wife? He highlights the link between the royal and priestly lineages, for Naasson is the son of Amminadab, Amminadab is the son of Aram, Aram is the son of Esrom, Esrom is the son of Phares, and Phares is the son of Judah. Through this bloodline, the Lord arose in the flesh. Thus, his reminder of the connection between these two tribes is significant, demonstrating that the Lord Christ emerged from both, fulfilling the roles of both King and Priest in human form.

Should there be a need for a lineage to validate the priestly role of Jesus, it could be easily provided. The tribe of Levi, known for its priestly duties, was connected to the tribe of Judah when Aaron married Elizabeth, the sister of Naasson, and his son Eleazar wed one of Thutiel’s daughters.

Naason, the son of Amminadab, led the forces of the Judahites, as noted in Numbers 2:3. Theodoret remarks that this royal tribe is connected through marriage to the progenitor of the priestly lineage.