A Complete Genealogy of The Israelites
October 30, 2020
Commentary
This passage gives a complete genealogy of the Israelites and the list begins by mentioning Reuben and Simeon, the two oldest of the twelve sons of Jacob (vv. 14-15). The next name to appear is Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah and the prominence given to him becomes apparent. The remainder of the genealogy traces Levi’s descendants exclusively to the fifth generation with the primary focus not being on Moses but Aaron (vv. 16-25). Although other names are mentioned, the clear focus of the genealogy is the levitical lineage from Levi to Phinehas and Aaron stands in the midway position.
You may ask, What is the significance of this genealogy in this context? I am not certain but perhaps it is to show that God’s purpose reaches both backward and forward. Perhaps the significance of Phinehas as the termination point of this genealogy is to draw attention to the covenant faithfulness of the line of Levi to Phinehas, which includes Aaron, who had several short comings. The point of this genealogy seems to confirm Aaron as a worthy partner of Moses in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and particularly in his role as Moses’ mouthpiece. By the time we get to the end of the genealogy Aaron’s authority is firmly established and the stage is set for the series of encounters with Pharaoh that leads to the release of the Israelites (vv. 26-27). Next the author picks up where he left off before the genealogy emphasizing God’s decisive role in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt (vv. 28-30). Moses is to be an authority figure to Pharoah and not just to Aaron.
Application
When opportunity comes for me to take a stand for the Lord I am not to soft-pedal what I believe but to speak up boldly for Him?
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?”
Illustration: Interesting Facts About Sand Hill Cranes
Bruce Larson, in his book “Wind and Fire”, points out some interesting facts about sand hill cranes: “These large birds, who fly great distances across continents, have three qualities. First, they rotate leadership. No one bird stays out in front all the time. “Second, they choose leaders who can handle turbulence. And then, all during the time one bird is leading, the rest are honking their confirmation. “That’s not a bad model for the church. Certainly we need leaders who can handle turbulence and who are aware that leadership ought to be shared. “But most of all, we need a church where all are honking encouragements.” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #8989).