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The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families.
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Commentary on Exodus 6 verses 14–30
14 ¶ These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.
15 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.
16 And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
17 The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
18 And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years.
19 And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.
20 And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.
21 And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
22 And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.
23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
24 And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
25 And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
26 These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.
27 These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.
28 And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,
29 That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
30 And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
I. We have here a genealogy, not an endless one, such as the apostle condemns (Ti1 1:4), for it ends in those two great patriots Moses and Aaron, and comes in here to show that they were Israelites, bone of their bone and flesh of their flesh whom they were sent to deliver, raised up unto them of their brethren, as Christ also should be, who was to be the prophet and priest, the Redeemer and lawgiver, of the people of Israel, and whose genealogy also, like this, was to be carefully preserved. The heads of the houses of three of the tribes are here named, agreeing with the accounts we had, Gen. 46. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, are thus dignified here by themselves for this reason, because they were left under marks of infamy by their dying father, Reuben for his incest and Simeon and Levi for their murder of the Shechemites; and therefore Moses would put this particular honour upon them, to magnify God's mercy in their repentance and remission, as a pattern to those that should afterwards believe: the two former seem rather to be mentioned only for the sake of a third, which was Levi, from whom Moses and Aaron descended, and all the priests of the Jewish church. Thus was the tribe of Levi distinguished betimes. Observe here, 1. That Kohath, from whom Moses and Aaron, and all the priests, derived their pedigree, was a younger son of Levi, Exo 6:16. Note, The grants of God's favours do not go by seniority of age and priority of birth, but the divine sovereignty often prefers the younger before the elder, so crossing hands. 2. That the ages of Levi, Kohath, and Amram, the father, grandfather, and great grandfather, of Moses, are here recorded; they all lived to a great age, Levi to 137, Kohath to 133, and Amram to 137. Moses himself came much short of them, and fixed seventy or eighty for the ordinary stretch of human life (Psa 90:10); for now that God's Israel was multiplied and had become a great nation, and divine revelation was by the hand of Moses committed to writing and no longer trusted to tradition, the two great reasons for the long lives of the patriarchs had ceased, and therefore henceforward fewer years must serve men. 3. That Aaron married Elisheba (the same name with that of the wife of Zecharias, Elizabeth, as Miriam is the same with Mary), daughter of Amminadab, one of the chief of the fathers of the tribe of Judah; for the tribes of Levi and Judah often intermarried, Exo 6:23. 4. It must not be omitted that Moses has recorded the marriage of his father Amram with Jochebed his own aunt (Exo 6:20); and it appears by Num 26:59 that it must be taken strictly for his father's own sister, at least by the half blood. This marriage was afterwards forbidden as incestuous (Lev 18:12), which might be looked upon as a blot upon his family, though before that law; yet Moses does not conceal it, for he sought not his own praise, but wrote with a sincere regard to truth, whether it smiled or frowned upon him. 5. He concludes it with a particular mark of honour on the persons he is writing of, though he himself was one of them, Exo 6:26, Exo 6:27. These are that Moses and Aaron whom God pitched upon to be his plenipotentiaries in this treaty. These were those to whom God spoke (Exo 6:26), and who spoke to Pharaoh on Israel's behalf, Exo 6:27. Note, Communion with God and serviceableness to his church are things that, above any other, put true honour upon men. Those are great indeed with whom God converses and whom he employs on his service. Such were that Moses and Aaron; and something of this honour have all his saints, who are made to our God kings and priests.
II. In the close of the chapter Moses returns to his narrative, from which he had broken off somewhat abruptly (Exo 6:13), and repeats, 1. The charge God had given him to deliver his message to Pharaoh (Exo 6:29): Speak all that I say unto thee, as a faithful ambassador. Note, Those that go on God's errand must not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. 2. His objection against it, Exo 6:30. Note, Those that have at any time spoken unadvisedly with their lips ought often to reflect upon it with regret, as Moses seems to do here.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–30. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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, 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 follows the introduction of Levi's three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—in Exodus 6:16, 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 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). 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. This prepares the reader for the detailed instructions regarding Tabernacle service that follow in later books.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 6:17 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.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry genealogical entry of Exodus 6:17 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). We are called to live with purpose, understanding that our specific gifts and positions are part of God's perfect order.
Questions for Reflection
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. 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). This highlights the foundational role that the families established in Exodus 6:17 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 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). 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). 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.