A Complete Genealogy of The Israelites
August 11, 2020
Commentary
This passage gives a genealogy of the Israelites, beginning with Reu-ben and Simeon, the two oldest sons of Jacob (vv. 14–15). The next name listed is Levi, Jacob’s third son through Leah, whose prominence quickly becomes clear. From this point, the genealogy focuses exclusively on Levi’s descendants, tracing his family line to the fifth generation. The main emphasis is not on Moses but on Aaron (vv. 16–25). Although several other family names appear, the purpose of the genealogy is to highlight the priestly line from Levi to Phinehas, with Aaron standing in the middle.
Why is this genealogy placed here? The text does not say directly, but it seems to show that God’s purpose stretches both backward and forward. The mention of Phinehas at the end may emphasize the covenant faithful-ness within the tribe of Levi. This family line included men with weakness-es—especially Aaron—but God still chose and used them in His plan of redemption. The genealogy confirms Aaron as a worthy partner for Moses, especially in his role as Moses’s spokesman before Pharaoh. By the end of the list, Aaron’s authority and place in Israel’s history are clearly established, preparing the way for the encounters with Pharaoh that follow (vv. 26–27).
After completing the genealogy, the story returns to where it left off, again emphasizing God’s decisive role in Israel’s deliverance (vv. 28–30). Moses is reminded that he is not only to speak to Aaron but also to stand as God’s authority before Pharaoh. The genealogy bridges God’s past promises with His unfolding plan in the present, showing that His purposes remain faithful across every generation.
Application
When I read this genealogy, I’m reminded that God works through generations, not just moments. How is God using my life to carry forward His purposes from those who came before me? Am I being faithful in my generation so others after me can continue God’s work? What legacy of faith and obedience will I leave behind?
Exodus 6:14–30 (NET)
14 These were the heads of their fathers’ households: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.
15 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.
16 Now these were the names of the sons of Levi, according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. (The length of Levi’s life was 137 years.)
17 The sons of Gershon, by their families, were Libni and Shimei.
18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. (The length of Kohath’s life was 133 years.)
19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of Levi, according to their records.
20 Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. (The length of Amram’s life was 137 years.)
21 The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zikri.
22 The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri.
23 Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
24 The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. These were the Korahite clans.
25 Now Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the fathers’ households of Levi according to their clans.
26 It was the same Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their regiments.” 27 They were the men who were speaking to Pharaoh king of Egypt, in order to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. It was the same Moses and Aaron.
28 When the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 he said to him, “I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I am telling you.” 30 But Moses said before the Lord, “Since I speak with difficulty, why should Pharaoh listen to me?”
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