The sons of Gershon
Gershon was the firstborn son of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The Levites were set apart for religious duties, and Gershon's descendants had specific responsibilities related to the tabernacle. This highlights the importance of family lineage in Israelite society, where roles and duties were often inherited. The Levites, including the Gershonites, were not given a portion of land like the other tribes but were instead given cities to dwell in, emphasizing their unique role in serving God.

were Libni and Shimei
Libni and Shimei are the sons of Gershon, and their mention signifies the continuation of the Levitical line. The names themselves have meanings that reflect cultural values: Libni means "white" or "pure," and Shimei means "famous" or "renowned." These names may reflect the aspirations or characteristics valued by their family. The genealogical records in the Bible serve to establish the legitimacy and authority of the Levitical priesthood, which was crucial for maintaining the religious order in Israel.

by their clans
The reference to clans indicates the organization of the Israelite society into extended family groups. This structure was essential for maintaining order and distributing responsibilities among the people. The clans of the Levites, including those of Gershon, were assigned specific tasks related to the tabernacle, such as the care and transport of its coverings and curtains. This division of labor ensured that the worship of God was conducted in an orderly and reverent manner, reflecting the holiness and sanctity of the divine presence among the Israelites.

1. Gershon
The firstborn son of Levi, Gershon is one of the three main Levitical families. His descendants were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's curtains and coverings.

2. Libni
A son of Gershon, Libni's descendants formed one of the clans within the tribe of Levi. His name means "white" or "whiteness," possibly indicating purity or a specific characteristic of his lineage.

3. Shimei
Another son of Gershon, Shimei's descendants also formed a clan within the tribe of Levi. His name means "heard" or "hearing," which may reflect a characteristic or role within the community.

4. Clans of Levi
The Levites were divided into three main families: Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites. Each had specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple.

5. Levitical Duties
The Levites were set apart for religious duties, serving as assistants to the priests and caretakers of the tabernacle and its furnishings.The Importance of Every Role
The Gershonites, though not priests, played a crucial role in the worship life of Israel. Every believer has a unique and vital role in the body of Christ, regardless of visibility or perceived importance.

Faithfulness in Service
The Gershonites' responsibilities required diligence and care. Similarly, Christians are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to them.

Generational Faithfulness
The mention of Libni and Shimei highlights the importance of passing down faith and responsibilities through generations. Parents and leaders should invest in teaching and preparing the next generation for service.

Identity in Christ
Just as the names of Libni and Shimei carry meaning, believers find their identity and purpose in Christ, who calls them by name and assigns them their roles in His kingdom.1. What is the meaning of Exodus 6:17?

2. How does Exodus 6:17 enhance our understanding of God's covenant with Israel?

3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from the genealogy in Exodus 6:17?

4. How does Exodus 6:17 connect to God's promises in Genesis?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Exodus 6:17 to our daily faith?

6. What does the lineage in Exodus 6:17 teach us about God's plan for families?

7. How does Exodus 6:17 fit into the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel?

8. What is the significance of the genealogy listed in Exodus 6:17?

9. How does Exodus 6:17 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 6?

11. Why does 1 Chronicles 6:16-30 list names that differ from other biblical genealogies (compare Exodus 6:16-19), and how can these discrepancies be reconciled?

12. Numbers 20:8-11 - Why does this passage seem inconsistent with Exodus 17:6 regarding the instructions God gives Moses for drawing water from a rock?

13. How is it scientifically plausible that water could come from a mere strike of Moses's staff on a rock (Exodus 17:6)?

14. Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites?The sons of Gershon

• Gershon, firstborn of Levi (Exodus 6:16; Numbers 3:17), heads one of the three great Levite branches.

• God highlights Gershon’s line to show how every tribe and family fits into His covenant plan (Genesis 46:11; 1 Chronicles 6:1).

• The listing anchors Israel’s identity during slavery in Egypt—reminding them that no matter the oppression, the Lord still remembers every name (Exodus 2:24).

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were Libni and Shimei

• Libni and Shimei are the only two sons Scripture assigns to Gershon (Numbers 3:18; 1 Chronicles 23:7).

• Their descendants, the Libnites and Shimeites, later receive specific tabernacle duties—carrying curtains, coverings, and ropes (Numbers 4:24-28).

• By naming them here, God shows He equips real families for real service; lineage is not trivia but preparation for ministry (1 Samuel 3:1; 1 Chronicles 6:17-20).

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by their clans

• “Clans” signals sub-families within a tribe (Numbers 26:57-58). Organization mattered for worship, travel, and inheritance.

• The Gershonite clans camp on the west side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:23) and receive thirteen Levitical cities spread across four tribal territories (Joshua 21:6; 1 Chronicles 6:62).

• God’s order prevents confusion and elevates shared responsibility; each clan knows its role, illustrating that structure and holiness go hand in hand (1 Corinthians 14:40; Colossians 2:5).

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summary

Exodus 6:17 does more than record names. It affirms that God sees and assigns every family, even before deliverance from Egypt. Gershon’s two sons, Libni and Shimei, set the stage for generations of faithful service. The verse underscores divine memory, purposeful structure, and the truth that every believer’s place in God’s household is intentional and valued.

Verse 17. - The sons of Gershon. The line of Gershon, as the eldest, is taken first. Moses and Aaron are descended from the second son. Shimi is called "Shimei" in 1 Chronicles 6:17; but there is no difference in the original.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The sons
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Gershon [were]
גֵרְשׁ֛וֹן (ḡê·rə·šō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1648: Gershon -- a son of Levi

Libni
לִבְנִ֥י (liḇ·nî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3845: Libni -- two Levites

and Shimei,
וְשִׁמְעִ֖י (wə·šim·‘î)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8096: Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelites

by their clans.
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃ (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people


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OT Law: Exodus 6:17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei (Exo. Ex)