Judah And Levi

Q

Since Mary’s cousin Elizabeth and her husband were both Levites, isn’t it likely that Mary was also related to the tribe of Levi on her mother’s side? Jesus is both King and High Priest (after the order of Melchizedek), but I have wondered about this and wanted to know your thoughts. Somehow I feel that the Lord would not leave out a single detail in his incarnation. Thank you. I find your lessons of great comfort and help.

A

You make an interesting observation. The Bible makes no mention of the tribal heritage of Mary’s mother. But that doesn’t matter. Mary’s ancestor was Judah and Elizabeth’s was Levi. Since the two were brothers, Mary and Elizabeth were technically cousins although many times removed, as we would say today.

Also, in Hebrews 7:6 the writer made the obvious point that Melchizedek was not of the tribe of Levi, and in Hebrews 7:14 he said Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. These statements indicate that one need not be descended from Levi to be included in the priesthood of Melchizedek. This is how Jesus can be both a King and a Priest.