THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
The subsequent statements raise several uncertainties. It is mentioned that there was a young individual from Bethlehem, belonging to the tribe of Judah, descended from this lineage, and residing there. However, a question arises: how can someone be a Levite if he is from the tribe of Judah? The author appears to identify Bethlehem with the tribe of Judah, reflecting that the village itself is associated with that tribe. As previously noted, God did not designate a specific territory for the priests and Levites but instead dispersed them throughout all the tribes so that everyone could have teachers of righteousness. Thus, this young man, despite being a Levite, lived in Bethlehem, which is linked to the tribe and family of Judah.
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Should anyone find this interpretation to be somewhat strained, they should consider our earlier remarks regarding the intertwining of the royal and priestly tribes. It is likely that, while his father may have been a Levite, his mother belonged to the tribe of Judah.