What is the meaning of Exodus 6:17? 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). 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). 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). 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. |
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