What does Exodus 6:17 mean?
Gershon was the oldest of Levi's three sons (Exodus 6:16). He had two sons, Libni and Shimei, who became clans in Israel. This expands on what was offered about Gershon in Genesis 46. In the first count of the Jews in the wilderness, the number of Gershonite men ages 30—50 who could serve in priestly duty was 2,630 (Numbers 4:38–40). This made this group the smallest of the three clans of Levi at the time of this first count.Moses and Aaron did not de-scend from Gershon, but from his younger brother Kohath. The context here simply notes Gershon as the oldest son and therefore the first son described following Levi. This family line is also noted elsewhere, including Numbers 3:18; 3:21; and 1 Chronicles 6:17. The Gershonites would later camp behind the tabernacle on the west side (Numbers 3:23). Their guard du-ties involved the tabernacle coverings, curtains, and screens (Numbers 3:25). Their full priestly duties are listed in Numbers 4:21–28).
Exodus 6:14–30 records the genealogies of Moses and his brother, Aaron. This supports that this is part of God's continuous plan to arrive at this very point in history. It also clarifies their status as members of the tribe of Levi. Along the way, God reiterates and re-establishes Moses' commission as His messenger. Moses is still wracked with self-doubt.
God responds to Moses, who struggles to understand recent events (Exodus 5:22–23). Pharaoh has retaliated against the Lord's message about Israel's freedom (Exodus 5:1–9). Here, the Lord repeats His predic-tion that Israel will be freed (Exodus 3:14–22). God's specific identity and relationship to Israel are key to this response. The Lord will fulfill His promises and take the Hebrews from Egypt into the Promised Land. The passage then rec-ords the genealogies of Moses and Aaron. Moses' commission from God is also repeated.
