The sons of Izhar
Izhar was a son of Kohath, who was a son of Levi, making Izhar a member of the Levitical tribe. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle. This lineage is significant as it establishes the priestly and service-oriented roles within Israel. Izhar's descendants, therefore, were part of the group responsible for the care and transportation of the tabernacle, highlighting their importance in the religious life of Israel.

were Korah
Korah is a notable figure in the Bible, primarily for his role in leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as recorded in Numbers 16. This rebellion was significant as it challenged the God-ordained leadership and priesthood, resulting in severe consequences. Korah's story serves as a warning against pride and rebellion against divine authority. His lineage, being from the tribe of Levi, underscores the gravity of his actions, as he was expected to uphold the sanctity of the priestly duties.

Nepheg
Nepheg is mentioned here as one of Izhar's sons, but little else is known about him from the biblical text. His inclusion in the genealogy serves to establish the family line and the broader context of the Levitical families. The genealogies in the Bible often serve to connect various narratives and highlight the continuity of God's covenant people.

and Zichri
Zichri, like Nepheg, is not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative. However, the name Zichri appears in various genealogies throughout the Old Testament, indicating it was a common name. The mention of Zichri in this context helps to complete the family line of Izhar, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. The genealogical records serve to affirm the historical and covenantal continuity of the Israelite people.

1. Izhar
A member of the Levite tribe, Izhar was the son of Kohath and the father of Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects.

2. Korah
Known for leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, Korah's account is a significant event in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. His actions and their consequences are detailed in Numbers 16.

3. Nepheg
Little is known about Nepheg beyond his mention as a son of Izhar. His inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of family lineage in Israelite culture.

4. Zichri
Like Nepheg, Zichri is mentioned as a son of Izhar. His name, meaning "memorable" or "renowned," reflects the significance of names in Hebrew culture.The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding the genealogies in the Bible helps us appreciate the continuity of God's plan through generations. It reminds us of the importance of our spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave.

Rebellion and Its Consequences
Korah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God's established order. It encourages us to respect and submit to God-given authority.

Names and Identity
In Hebrew culture, names often reflect character or destiny. This reminds us to consider the significance of our identity in Christ and how we are known by God.

Faithfulness in Service
The Levites, including the descendants of Izhar, were set apart for service in the tabernacle. This calls us to be faithful in whatever role God has assigned us in His kingdom.1. What is the meaning of Exodus 6:21?

2. How does Exodus 6:21 illustrate the importance of family lineage in God's plan?

3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from the genealogy in Exodus 6:21?

4. How does Exodus 6:21 connect to God's covenant promises in Genesis?

5. How can understanding Exodus 6:21 deepen our trust in God's sovereign plan?

6. How does Exodus 6:21 encourage us to value our spiritual heritage today?

7. Who were the sons of Izhar mentioned in Exodus 6:21?

8. What is the significance of Korah in Exodus 6:21?

9. How does Exodus 6:21 fit into the genealogy of Levi?

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

11. Who was Korah in the Bible?

12. How can a 'divine council' (Psalm 82:1) fit with passages claiming there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)?

13. Numbers 21:6 - How could 'fiery serpents' suddenly appear and inflict widespread casualties, and what evidence supports or refutes this event historically or scientifically?

14. Does the severity of punishment in Numbers 16 align with the New Testament portrayal of a forgiving God?The sons of Izhar

• Exodus 6 sits in the middle of a detailed genealogy of Levi that prepares the reader for Moses’ confrontation with Pharaoh. Verse 18 names Kohath’s sons—Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—and verse 21 now turns to Izhar’s offspring.

• Genealogies in Scripture are literal historical records (see 1 Chronicles 6:1–3). They trace covenant faithfulness from generation to generation, showing how God keeps His promises to a real family line.

• Izhar’s clan later appears when Moses numbers the Levites for tabernacle service (Numbers 3:27). Through these listings we learn that God assigns specific responsibilities to specific families.

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were Korah

• Korah is the best-known of Izhar’s sons because he will lead a famous rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1–35). His mention here foreshadows that later conflict and reminds us that God already knows every future event.

• Even after Korah’s judgment, “the sons of Korah did not die” (Numbers 26:11). They became faithful worship leaders who penned several Psalms (e.g., Psalm 42, 44–49, 84, 85, 87, 88). This highlights both God’s justice and His mercy within the same family line.

• Jude 11 recalls Korah’s rebellion as a warning against rejecting God-appointed authority.

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Nepheg

• Scripture gives no narrative about Nepheg beyond genealogy (1 Chronicles 6:2, 23; 23:12). His inclusion shows that God’s Word values every member of the covenant community, not only the famous or infamous.

• The listing affirms the precision of Scripture; even seemingly “minor” names are preserved without error (Matthew 5:18).

• Nepheg’s descendants served among the Izharite Levites, sharing in the sacred duty of caring for the tabernacle furnishings (Numbers 3:27–31).

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and Zichri

• Like Nepheg, Zichri is mentioned only in genealogical contexts (1 Chronicles 6:2, 23). His presence underscores that no part of God’s covenant family is overlooked.

• Later generations of Levites include several men named Zichri (e.g., 1 Chronicles 27:16; 2 Chronicles 29:13); this initial entry may be their ancestral root.

• The verse therefore not only records a name but provides a touchstone for future biblical history, confirming accuracy across centuries.

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summary

Exodus 6:21 is a concise but significant record: “The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri”. By listing these three brothers, Scripture:

• anchors Israel’s worship leaders and rebels alike in a real family tree,

• demonstrates God’s meticulous faithfulness to every generation,

• foreshadows coming events in Israel’s wilderness journey, and

• reminds readers that every person in God’s plan matters, whether well-known like Korah or quiet like Nepheg and Zichri.

Verse 21. - The sons of Izhar. Korah is mentioned as a "son (descendant) of Izhar" in Numbers 16:1 and 1 Chronicles 6:38. The other "sons" are not elsewhere mentioned. Zithri in this verse should be Zichri.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The sons
וּבְנֵ֖י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Izhar [were]
יִצְהָ֑ר (yiṣ·hār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3324: Izhar -- a Levite

Korah,
קֹ֥רַח (qō·raḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7141: Korah -- an Edomite name, also an Israelite name

Nepheg,
וָנֶ֖פֶג (wā·ne·p̄eḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5298: Nepheg -- two Israelites

and Zichri.
וְזִכְרִֽי׃ (wə·ziḵ·rî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2147: Zichri -- the name of several Israelites


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OT Law: Exodus 6:21 The sons of Izhar: Korah and Nepheg (Exo. Ex)