Exodus 6:17

KJV

The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Gershon {H1648}; Libni {H3845}, and Shimi {H8096}, according to their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Gershon were Livni and Shim'i, with their families.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans.

American Standard Version

The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:17 meticulously records the sons of Gershon, Libni and Shimi, thereby establishing a foundational branch of the Levite lineage. This seemingly simple genealogical detail is crucial for understanding God's precise and orderly preparation of the Israelite community, particularly the Levites, for their future roles in sacred service and worship, underscoring His comprehensive attention to every individual within His divine plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant genealogical section in [Exodus 6:14-27](/exodus/6-14-27 "The Generations of Israel"), which serves to establish the lineage of the key figures in the Exodus narrative: Moses and Aaron. Specifically, this passage details the descendants of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, with a pronounced focus on the tribe of Levi, from whom the priestly and Tabernacle-serving families would emerge. [Exodus 6:17](/exodus/6-17 "The Sons of Gershon") follows the introduction of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—in [Exodus 6:16](/exodus/6-16 "The Sons of Levi"), and precedes the more detailed account of Moses and Aaron's immediate ancestry through Kohath. The inclusion of Gershon's sons, Libni and Shimi, highlights the meticulous nature of the biblical record, ensuring that the full scope of the Levite families, who would later play vital roles in Israel's worship, is accounted for from their earliest generations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving as legal documents that established tribal identity, land inheritance rights, and qualifications for specific roles, especially within the priesthood and sacred service. During the period of the Exodus, as Israel transitioned from a collection of families into a unified nation under God's covenant, the precise definition of tribal and family structures was essential for maintaining order, distributing responsibilities, and preserving purity of lineage. The Levites, in particular, were set apart for sacred duties, and their genealogical purity was critical for their eligibility to serve in the Tabernacle. The naming of specific individuals like Libni and Shimi in [Exodus 6:17](/exodus/6-17 "The Sons of Gershon") reflects this cultural emphasis on lineage as the bedrock of communal and religious identity, providing the necessary framework for the divine organization of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of this genealogical detail contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and organization for His people, even down to the family level. He is not a God of chaos, but of structure, ensuring that every part of His plan is precisely laid out. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, showing how God preserves and develops the lineage through whom His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be fulfilled, ultimately leading to the establishment of a holy nation and a kingdom of priests ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Covenant at Sinai")). Finally, this verse lays the **Foundation for Sacred Service**, as the descendants of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari would later be assigned distinct and vital roles in the Tabernacle's construction, dismantling, transport, and daily ministry, as detailed in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Census and Duties of the Levites"). This prepares the reader for the detailed instructions regarding Tabernacle service that follow in later books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term refers to a male offspring, but in a broader sense, it signifies a builder or perpetuator of the family name. In this context, "sons" denotes the direct male descendants who would carry on the lineage of Gershon, establishing new branches or "houses" within the larger Levite tribe. The use of this term emphasizes the continuity and development of the family line, crucial for the structured organization of Israel.
* **Gershon (Hebrew, _Gêrᵉshôwn'_):** Meaning "refugee" or "expulsion," Gershon was the firstborn son of Levi. His name, though not directly expounded upon in this verse, signifies the origin point for the specific Levite clan that would bear his name (the Gershonites). As a refugee, his name might subtly reflect the transient nature of the Israelites in Egypt or their future wilderness wanderings, during which his descendants would be responsible for the portable elements of the Tabernacle.
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** This term refers to a circle of relatives, a clan, or a subdivision within a tribe. It highlights the internal organization of the larger tribal unit. In the context of the Levites, "families" indicates the distinct clans (the Libnites and Shimites) that would descend from Gershon's sons, each with specific duties assigned to them in the service of the Tabernacle, as later elaborated in the book of Numbers. This emphasizes the structured and orderly nature of Israel's tribal system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Gershon":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the subject of the verse as the direct male descendants of Gershon, the firstborn of Levi. It sets the stage for the enumeration of his offspring, indicating a focus on the continuation and branching of the Levite lineage.
* **"Libni, and Shimi":** These are the two specific names of Gershon's sons. Their explicit naming is not merely a list but serves to establish the distinct family lines that would emerge from Gershon. Libni and Shimi would become the progenitors of the Libnite and Shimite clans, respectively, each with their own future responsibilities within the Levite service.
* **"according to their families":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the organizational principle by which these individuals are presented. It signifies that Libni and Shimi are not just individuals but the heads of distinct familial units or clans. This detail is crucial for understanding the later division of labor among the Levites, where duties were assigned "according to their families" or clans, ensuring order and accountability in the Tabernacle service.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Exodus 6:17](/exodus/6-17 "The Sons of Gershon") is **Genealogy**. This verse is a concise entry within a broader genealogical record, characteristic of biblical narratives that establish lineage, heritage, and the divine progression of a chosen people. Genealogies are not mere lists; they serve to authenticate claims, define identity, and trace the unfolding of God's covenant promises through specific bloodlines. The precise **Enumeration** of "Libni, and Shimi" within this genealogical framework further emphasizes the meticulous detail with which God orchestrates the historical development of Israel. While not a complex narrative, the very act of naming and listing serves as a foundational element, setting the stage for the future roles these families would play.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:17, though brief, is rich with theological significance. It speaks to God's profound commitment to order and structure, illustrating that His divine plan is not haphazard but meticulously organized, down to the specific family units within a tribe. This precision underscores His sovereignty over history and His faithfulness in establishing a people for His purposes. The naming of individuals like Libni and Shimi, even within a vast lineage, affirms the inherent value and specific purpose God places on every person, preparing them for their designated roles within His grand redemptive narrative.

* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "The Census of Israel") - God commands a meticulous census, demonstrating His desire for order and organization among His people.
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order") - "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Created for Good Works") - "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of [Exodus 6:17](/exodus/6-17 "The Sons of Gershon") offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of intricate detail and purposeful design, deeply invested in every aspect of His creation and His people. Just as He knew and named Libni and Shimi, placing them precisely within the Levite lineage for future service, He knows each of us intimately. Our lives are not random; we are known by God, valued, and placed within His larger story. This verse encourages us to embrace our unique identity and calling within the body of Christ, recognizing that God prepares and equips us for service, just as He prepared the Levite families for their sacred duties. Our individual lives, like those recorded in ancient genealogies, are part of a divine narrative, contributing to God's ongoing work in the world ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Generation - A Royal Priesthood")). We are called to live with purpose, understanding that our specific gifts and positions are part of God's perfect order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this one, affirm God's character as a God of order and purpose?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God has a specific place and purpose for every individual, even seemingly minor ones, encourage you in your own life and calling?**
* **How can we, as believers today, apply the principle of "according to their families" (or spiritual families) to our participation in the organized life and service of the church?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names (Libni and Shimi) included in the biblical record?**

Answer: The inclusion of Libni and Shimi, the sons of Gershon, is not arbitrary but serves a crucial purpose within the broader genealogical record of [Exodus 6:14-27](/exodus/6-14-27 "The Generations of Israel"). These names establish the specific branches of the Levite tribe, from whom future generations would emerge to fulfill distinct and vital roles in the Tabernacle service. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in His divine plan, demonstrating that every individual and family had a designated place and purpose in the organized community of Israel, laying the groundwork for the later detailed instructions for Tabernacle service in Numbers.

**What were the specific duties of the Gershonites in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The Gershonites, descendants of Gershon through Libni and Shimi, were assigned specific duties in the care and transport of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. As detailed in the book of Numbers, their primary responsibility was to carry the coverings of the Tabernacle, including the tent, its covering, the screen for the door of the tent of meeting, the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court, and all the cords related to their service ([Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Duties of the Gershonites")). This highlights the foundational role that the families established in [Exodus 6:17](/exodus/6-17 "The Sons of Gershon") would play in Israel's worship life, ensuring the proper handling and movement of the sacred dwelling place of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Exodus 6:17](/exodus/6-17 "The Sons of Gershon") is a genealogical entry focused on the Levite lineage, it contributes to the broader biblical narrative that ultimately points to Christ. The meticulous recording of lineages, especially within the tribe of Levi, underscores God's divine order and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving a chosen people through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The Levites, including the descendants of Gershon, were set apart for sacred service, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ. Though not of the tribe of Levi, Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets as our eternal High Priest, whose sacrifice is once for all ([Hebrews 7:11-28](/hebrews/7-11-28 "Christ's Superior Priesthood")). His coming represents the culmination of God's precise and purposeful work through generations, establishing a new covenant where all believers are now part of a spiritual lineage, a "royal priesthood," set apart for His service and to proclaim His excellencies ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the order and purpose evident in this ancient genealogy find their ultimate meaning and fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, who brings all of God's redemptive purposes to their glorious completion.

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 6:17

And these [be] the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.

Numbers 3:18

And these [are] the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.

1 Chronicles 23:7

Of the Gershonites [were], Laadan, and Shimei.

Genesis 46:11

And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.