1 Chronicles 6:20

KJV

Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Gershom {H1647}; Libni {H3845} his son {H1121}, Jahath {H3189} his son {H1121}, Zimmah {H2155} his son {H1121},

Complete Jewish Bible

[The descendants] of Gershom: his son Livni, his son Yachat, his son Zimah,

Berean Standard Bible

Of Gershom:

American Standard Version

Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:20 continues the meticulous genealogical record of the Levites, specifically tracing a direct patrilineal descent within the family of Gershom, Levi's eldest son. This verse, listing Libni, Jahath, and Zimmah as successive generations, serves to establish the legitimate lineage for those designated for sacred service in the tabernacle and later the Temple. It underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on identity, order, and the divine preservation of God's covenant people, particularly the priestly and Levitical lines crucial for Israel's worship and national identity after the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which serve as the foundation for the Chronicler's historical and theological narrative. Following the universal genealogies from Adam to Abraham, and then the tribes of Israel, Chapter 6 focuses exclusively on the tribe of Levi. This emphasis is significant because the Levites, unlike other tribes, did not receive a territorial inheritance but were set apart for sacred duties related to the worship of God. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, meticulously records these lineages to re-establish the identity, legitimacy, and functional roles of the returning community, especially those responsible for the Temple services. Verse 6:20 specifically traces a branch of Gershom's descendants, detailing the unbroken chain of succession necessary for their assigned roles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were not mere lists of names but vital documents affirming identity, land rights, tribal affiliation, and, critically for the Levites, the right to perform their sacred duties. After the Babylonian exile, many Israelites returned to a devastated land, and their identity and heritage had been fractured. The Chronicler's work was crucial in reminding them of their past, their covenant relationship with God, and their place within His divine order. For the Levites, whose service was hereditary, an accurate lineage was paramount for demonstrating their legitimacy to serve in the rebuilt Temple. They were responsible for various aspects of Temple worship, from carrying the tabernacle components in the wilderness to maintaining the Temple and leading worship. The meticulous recording of names like Libni, Jahath, and Zimmah in this verse served to validate the claims of those who would serve as Levites in the restored community, ensuring the continuity of the divinely ordained system of worship.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of lineages in 1 Chronicles 6:20 contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Importance of Lineage and Identity**, particularly for those in sacred service. For the post-exilic community, knowing one's ancestry was foundational for re-establishing tribal and national identity and ensuring proper participation in the restored religious life. Secondly, these lists underscore **Divine Order and Structure**. God's careful attention to the details of lineage reflects His meticulous planning and His commitment to maintaining order within His covenant people, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and passed down. This precision speaks to God's faithfulness in upholding His promises across generations. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the Chronicler's broader aim of **Preservation of History and Continuity of Worship**. By documenting these specific lines, the Chronicler reminds the returning exiles of their rich heritage and the unbroken chain of God's faithfulness, particularly concerning the Levitical service that was central to Israel's relationship with God, as seen in the initial instructions for the Levites in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Duties of the Levites"). The Chronicler's work aimed to inspire hope and faithfulness by demonstrating God's enduring commitment to His people and their divinely appointed roles, even after significant national upheaval. The very presence of Gershom's line, as introduced in [Exodus 6:16](/exodus/6-16 "Exodus 6:16 - The Sons of Levi"), emphasizes this continuity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gershom (Hebrew, _Gershom_):** Meaning "a sojourner there" or "expulsion." Gershom was the firstborn son of Levi, and his descendants, the Gershonites, were one of the three main branches of the Levites, with specific duties in the tabernacle and later the Temple. The name itself might reflect the transient nature of Israel's early history or Levi's own experience as a sojourner. In this context, it primarily serves as the foundational name for this particular Levitical line.
* **Libni (Hebrew, _Libni_):** Meaning "whiteness" or "white." Libni was a son of Gershom and the progenitor of the family of the Libnites, a significant clan within the Gershonite branch of the Levites. His name marks the beginning of the specific sub-lineage being traced in this verse, indicating a distinct family unit within the larger Gershonite clan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Gershom;":** This initial phrase immediately establishes the focus of the verse, indicating that the following names are descendants of Gershom, Levi's eldest son. It serves as a heading or a clear point of reference within the broader Levitical genealogy, directing the reader to a specific branch of the family tree.
* **"Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,":** This sequence meticulously traces a direct patrilineal succession. The repetitive phrase "his son" (Hebrew: _beno_) emphasizes the direct, unbroken line of descent from father to son. Libni is identified as Gershom's son, Jahath as Libni's son, and Zimmah as Jahath's son. This formulaic presentation is characteristic of biblical genealogies, ensuring clarity and precision in establishing the legitimate lineage for the purpose of tribal identity, inheritance, and, most critically for the Levites, the right to perform their sacred duties. The inclusion of three generations within a single clause underscores the continuity and historical depth of this particular Levitical family line.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 6:20, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific form of **Enumeration** or **List**, where names are systematically presented to trace lineage. The Chronicler uses this device not merely for historical record-keeping but with profound theological intent, establishing the identity and legitimacy of the post-exilic community and their right to participate in the Temple cult. The **Repetition** of the phrase "his son" (Hebrew: _beno_) serves to emphasize the direct and unbroken nature of the patrilineal succession, reinforcing the validity of the lineage. This formulaic structure provides clarity and a rhythmic quality to what might otherwise be a dry list of names, underscoring the meticulous care with which these records were preserved and presented.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of 1 Chronicles 6:20, like all biblical genealogies, speaks to a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness. He is intimately involved in the details of human history, even in the seemingly mundane act of recording names and lineages. For the Levites, this precision was not merely administrative; it was foundational to their identity and their ability to fulfill their divinely appointed roles in facilitating Israel's worship. The preservation of these lines, even through periods of exile and upheaval, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His plan for their redemption. These lists remind us that every individual, every family, and every generation plays a part in God's overarching narrative, and He oversees all the details for the accomplishment of His purposes.

* [Exodus 6:16](/exodus/6-16 "Exodus 6:16 - Sons of Levi")
* [Numbers 3:17-20](/numbers/3-17 "Numbers 3:17-20 - Sons of Levi and their families")
* [Nehemiah 7:63-65](/nehemiah/7-63 "Nehemiah 7:63-65 - Priests excluded due to uncertain lineage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 6:20 might appear to be a simple list of names, its inclusion in inspired Scripture invites us to reflect on God's character and our place within His grand design. The meticulous recording of these lineages reminds us that God is a God who knows us by name and cares about the details of our lives, even those that seem insignificant to us. Just as He preserved the identity and purpose of the Levites through generations, He faithfully oversees our individual journeys, weaving them into His larger tapestry of redemption. This verse encourages us to find our identity not in fleeting worldly achievements but in our spiritual heritage as children of God, part of a lineage of faith that stretches back through history. It calls us to trust in God's perfect plan and order, even when our own roles seem small or our circumstances uncertain, knowing that He is meticulously at work, ensuring His purposes unfold according to His divine will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous recording of genealogies in Scripture affirm His attention to detail in our own lives?**
* **What is the significance of understanding our spiritual heritage as believers, even though physical lineage is not a requirement for salvation?**
* **How can we find assurance in God's overarching plan, even when our own roles seem small or mundane?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere historical record-keeping. In books like 1 Chronicles, they were vital for establishing identity and legitimacy, particularly for the post-exilic community returning to Judah. They confirmed tribal affiliations, land rights, and, most importantly, the right to serve in the priesthood or as Levites, as these roles were hereditary. Genealogies also demonstrated God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations, ensuring the continuity of His promises, including the messianic line. For the Chronicler, these lists reinforced the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and provided a foundation for rebuilding their national and spiritual life. They show God's meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His divine plan across time.

**What was the specific role of Gershom's descendants, the Gershonites, among the Levites?**

Answer: Gershom was Levi's firstborn son, and his descendants, known as the Gershonites, had specific and vital duties in the service of the tabernacle and later the Temple. According to [Numbers 3:21-26](/numbers/3-21 "Numbers 3:21-26 - Duties of the Gershonites"), their primary responsibility during the wilderness wanderings was to transport and care for the tabernacle's coverings, curtains, hangings, and cords. They were responsible for the more portable, textile components of the holy dwelling. This role was distinct from the duties of the Kohathites (who carried the holy vessels) and the Merarites (who carried the heavier framework and pillars), highlighting the precise division of labor among the Levitical clans, all rooted in their specific lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies of 1 Chronicles, including the specific line of Gershom in 1 Chronicles 6:20, ultimately find their profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's emphasis on an unbroken, legitimate lineage for priestly and kingly service foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect, divinely appointed Mediator. While the Levitical priesthood depended on physical descent, a system that was inherently temporary and imperfect, Christ's priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Priesthood of Melchizedek")), established not by human lineage but by the power of an indestructible life. His own genealogies, recorded in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus"), meticulously trace His human descent, affirming His rightful claim as the Son of David and the promised Messiah. Through Christ, the need for a physical, hereditary priesthood is superseded, as He becomes our eternal High Priest ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Jesus, our eternal High Priest")). Moreover, in Him, believers are adopted into a new, spiritual lineage, becoming part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), where our identity and access to God are no longer based on earthly ancestry but on our union with the Son of God. The precise recording of names like Libni, Jahath, and Zimmah ultimately points to the one name above all names, Jesus, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 6:43

The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.