Exodus 6:22

KJV

And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Uzziel {H5816}; Mishael {H4332}, and Elzaphan {H469}, and Zithri {H5644}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of 'Uzi'el were Misha'el, Eltzafan and Sitri.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Uzziel: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Sithri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:22 is a concise yet significant verse embedded within a crucial genealogical record, meticulously identifying Mishael, Elzaphan, and Zithri as the three sons of Uzziel. This specific detail serves to authenticate the Levitical lineage of Moses and Aaron through their great-grandfather Levi, underscoring God's precise and deliberate preparation of their family for leadership in the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage and the subsequent establishment of the priestly service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus chapter 6 strategically places this genealogy after God's powerful reaffirmation of His covenant promises to Moses, declaring His unwavering intention to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. The narrative flow moves from divine promise and Moses' initial reluctance to a detailed account of his and Aaron's ancestry, spanning from [Exodus 6:14-25](/exodus/6-14-25 "The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron"). This placement is not arbitrary; it grounds the authority and legitimacy of Moses and Aaron in their tribal identity, particularly their belonging to the tribe of Levi, which would later be consecrated for sacred duties. Verse 22 specifically details a branch of the Kohathite clan, a sub-division of Levi, whose descendants, including Moses and Aaron, would bear significant responsibilities for the Tabernacle's holy articles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly within Israelite culture, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were vital documents establishing identity, inheritance rights, social standing, and eligibility for specific roles, especially priestly or leadership positions. The detailed nature of this genealogy in Exodus reflects a cultural emphasis on lineage as a marker of legitimacy and divine appointment. The Levites, as a tribe, were set apart for service to God, and their precise family lines were crucial for maintaining order and purity in worship. The mention of Uzziel's sons here lays groundwork for future events, such as the Kohathites' specific duties concerning the Tabernacle, as later detailed in [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites").

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader genealogy in [Exodus 6](/exodus/6 "Exodus 6 - God's Covenant with Israel"), contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's meticulous order and sovereignty**, demonstrating His precise knowledge and control over human history, even down to individual family lines. Secondly, it emphasizes the **importance of lineage and divine appointment**, authenticating those whom God chooses for specific roles, such as Moses and Aaron's leadership in the exodus. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **preparation for sacred service**, as the Kohathites, including Uzziel's descendants, would later be instrumental in the Tabernacle worship. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine principle that God prepares and equips individuals for their unique callings within His covenant community, a theme echoed in the detailed instructions for the priesthood in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 6:22 succinctly states, "And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri." Though brief, this verse is a foundational piece within the broader Levitical genealogy of [Exodus 6:14-25](/exodus/6-14-25 "The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron"), which meticulously traces the lineage of Moses and Aaron. The inclusion of such detailed genealogical records underscores the profound importance of tribal identity and divine order within ancient Israel, particularly concerning those designated for leadership or sacred service.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term, derived from the root "to build," signifies a son as a builder of the family name. In its widest sense, it encompasses various literal and figurative relationships, including grandsons, subjects, nations, or even qualities. Here, it denotes direct male offspring, emphasizing the continuation of Uzziel's family line and its contribution to the broader Levitical lineage.
* **Uzziel (Hebrew, _ʻUzzîyʼêl_):** Meaning "strength of God," this name itself is a theological statement, attributing power and might to the divine. Uzziel was one of the four sons of Kohath, who was a son of Levi. His descendants, the Uzzielites, formed a significant clan within the Kohathite division of the Levites, later designated for specific duties in the Tabernacle service.
* **Mishael (Hebrew, _Mîyshâʼêl_):** This name is a rhetorical question, "Who (is) what God (is)?" or "Who is like God?". It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's incomparable nature and uniqueness. The presence of such a name within this genealogy subtly reinforces the theological underpinnings of the entire narrative, reminding the reader of the supreme sovereignty of the God who is delivering Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Uzziel;":** This initial clause establishes the paternal lineage, identifying Uzziel as the father. Uzziel was a son of Kohath, who was a son of Levi. This connection is vital as it places the subsequent names within the specific Kohathite clan, a division of the Levites chosen for significant responsibilities in the Tabernacle. The phrase sets the stage for listing the direct male descendants who would carry on this particular family line.
* **"Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.":** This clause provides the specific names of Uzziel's three sons. These individuals, though briefly mentioned here, represent the continuation of a key Levitical branch. Their names, as noted in the Key Word Analysis, often carry theological significance, subtly reinforcing the pervasive theme of God's active involvement and sovereignty in the lives of His people. Notably, Mishael and Elzaphan reappear in [Leviticus 10:4](/leviticus/10-4 "Mishael and Elzaphan in Leviticus 10:4"), where Moses instructs them to remove the bodies of Nadab and Abihu after their unauthorized offering, highlighting their specific roles within the newly established Tabernacle service. This connection demonstrates how seemingly minor genealogical entries lay the groundwork for future significant events and the ongoing development of Israel's priestly structure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 6:22, and indeed throughout the genealogical sections of the Bible, is **Genealogy** itself. This device serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, establishing legitimacy, continuity, and divine purpose. The meticulous listing of names, though appearing dry to a modern reader, functions as a powerful affirmation of God's sovereign hand guiding history and preparing individuals for specific roles within His covenant plan. Additionally, the use of **Theophoric Names** (names containing a divine element, such as "El" for God in Uzziel and Elzaphan, and the implicit reference to God in Mishael) subtly embeds theological truths within the very identity of the individuals, reinforcing the pervasive presence and character of God throughout the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:22, as part of the broader Levitical genealogy, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous order and sovereign design in preparing His chosen instruments for His redemptive purposes. The inclusion of specific lineages, down to individual names, underscores that every person has a place within God's grand narrative and that His plans are executed with divine precision. This attention to detail reflects a God who is intimately involved in the history of His people, ensuring the right individuals are in the right positions for the unfolding of His covenant promises. The lineage of Uzziel's sons, as part of the Kohathite family, serves as a foundational record for the Levites, who were later consecrated for the service of the Tabernacle, demonstrating God's principle of preparing and equipping individuals for their unique callings, often through their family and historical context.

* [Numbers 3:17-20](/numbers/3-17-20 "The Sons of Levi and Their Divisions")
* [1 Chronicles 6:2](/1_chronicles/6-2 "Sons of Kohath")
* [Leviticus 10:4-5](/leviticus/10-4-5 "Mishael and Elzaphan Remove Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical list might initially seem distant from modern life, Exodus 6:22 offers timeless insights for profound reflection and practical application. Firstly, it reminds us that every individual, even those briefly listed in a seemingly minor genealogy, is known to God and has a specific place within His overarching plan. Your life, too, is part of God's larger story, uniquely purposed and profoundly valued, irrespective of your perceived significance. Secondly, just as these lineages established credentials for future service within ancient Israel, God continues to prepare and equip each of us for our unique callings, whether in our families, communities, workplaces, or ministries. Understanding our "spiritual lineage"—the heritage of faith passed down through generations of believers—can strengthen our sense of purpose and identity in Christ. Finally, the meticulous record-keeping observed here reflects God's inherent orderliness and unwavering faithfulness; we can trust that God is sovereign over all details, even those that seem insignificant or mundane to us at the moment, working them together for His ultimate purposes and our good, as powerfully affirmed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like Exodus 6:22, affirm your belief in God's sovereignty and attention to every detail of your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see God preparing and equipping you for specific roles or callings, both within your immediate context and in the broader scope of His kingdom?**
* **How can understanding your "spiritual lineage" (the history of faith and believers who have influenced you) strengthen your sense of identity and purpose in Christ today?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like Exodus?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes beyond mere historical record. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations and His unfolding plan. They authenticate individuals' claims to leadership, priesthood, or specific tribal inheritances, as seen with Moses and Aaron's Levitical lineage in [Exodus 6](/exodus/6 "Exodus 6 - God's Covenant with Israel"). They also highlight God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign plan, ensuring the right people are in the right place at the right time for His purposes. Ultimately, these genealogies are vital for tracing the lineage leading to the Messiah, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, whose ancestry is carefully recorded in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

**What is the significance of the names of Uzziel's sons (Mishael, Elzaphan, Zithri) in this verse?**

Answer: The significance of these names lies in their inherent meanings, which often reflect theological truths or circumstances surrounding their birth. "Mishael" (Hebrew: מִישָׁאֵל) means "Who is like God?", a rhetorical question affirming God's incomparable nature and supreme uniqueness. "Elzaphan" (Hebrew: אֶלְצָפָן) means "God has protected" or "God of treasure," speaking to God's providence, sovereignty, and protective care over His people. "Zithri" (Hebrew: סִתְרִי), while less certain, is often associated with "my crown" or "my protection," again hinting at divine favor or security. While not directly impacting the immediate narrative of [Exodus 6:22](/exodus/6-22 "The Sons of Uzziel"), these names subtly reinforce the pervasive theme of God's sovereignty, presence, and benevolent character in the lives of His people, reminding the reader of the divine hand guiding even the seemingly small details of Israel's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous genealogies found throughout the Old Testament, including Exodus 6:22, serve as vital threads in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ. Just as the precise lineage of Moses and Aaron authenticated their divine calling and prepared them for leadership and priestly service in the Old Covenant, Christ's perfect human lineage, meticulously traced through both Abraham and David (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus")), authenticated His unique identity as the promised Messiah and the ultimate High Priest. The divine order and careful preparation evident in the Levitical priesthood, to which Uzziel's sons belonged, prefigured Christ's eternal and perfect priesthood, where He perfectly fulfills all the duties, sacrifices, and mediatorial roles foreshadowed in the Tabernacle service. God's unwavering attention to every detail in the Old Testament, from tribal identity to the profound meanings embedded in names, underscores His sovereign plan culminating in the person and work of Jesus, through whom all of God's magnificent promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises 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

Leviticus 10:4

And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.

Numbers 3:30

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites [shall be] Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

Nehemiah 3:20

After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning [of the wall] unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.