1 Chronicles 6:20
Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,
Merari his son
The name "Merari" is derived from the Hebrew root "marar," meaning "bitter" or "to be bitter." This name may reflect the hardships and struggles faced by the Levites, who were set apart for the service of the tabernacle and later the temple. Merari was one of the three sons of Levi, and his descendants were responsible for the care of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its equipment. This highlights the importance of each family within the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the theme of service and dedication to God’s dwelling place. The mention of "his son" underscores the generational continuity and faithfulness in fulfilling God’s commands, a reminder of the legacy of faith and service passed down through families.

Mahli his son
"Mahli" is a name that may be related to the Hebrew word "machal," meaning "sick" or "weak." Despite the possible connotation of weakness, Mahli's inclusion in this genealogy signifies the strength found in fulfilling God’s purposes. The descendants of Mahli were part of the Levitical order, serving in various capacities within the temple. This reflects the biblical principle that God often uses those who may seem weak or insignificant by worldly standards to accomplish His divine purposes, showcasing His power and sovereignty.

Libni his son
The name "Libni" is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word "lavan," meaning "white." This could symbolize purity or holiness, qualities that were essential for those serving in the temple. The Levites, including the descendants of Libni, were set apart for sacred duties, and their lives were to reflect the holiness of God. This serves as a reminder of the call to holiness for all believers, as they are set apart for God’s service in the world. The generational mention of "his son" continues to emphasize the importance of lineage and the transmission of faith and duty from one generation to the next.

Shimei his son
"Shimei" is a name that comes from the Hebrew root "shama," meaning "to hear" or "to listen." This name is significant in the context of the Levitical duties, as listening to and obeying God’s commands was central to their role. The Levites were tasked with teaching the law and leading the people in worship, requiring a deep attentiveness to God’s word. The mention of Shimei in this genealogy highlights the importance of spiritual attentiveness and obedience, qualities that are essential for all who seek to serve God faithfully. The phrase "his son" once again underscores the continuity of faith and service, encouraging believers to pass on their spiritual heritage to future generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gershom
The firstborn son of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Gershom's descendants were responsible for specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple.

2. Libni
A descendant of Gershom, Libni is mentioned as part of the Levitical lineage. His name means "white" or "pure" in Hebrew, which may symbolize purity or dedication to God.

3. Jahath
Another descendant in the line of Gershom, Jahath's name means "union" or "joining." He represents the continuation of the Levitical duties passed down through generations.

4. Zimmah
The son of Jahath, Zimmah's name means "thought" or "purpose." His inclusion in the genealogy highlights the importance of each generation in maintaining the worship and service to God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage and Legacy
The genealogies in the Bible remind us of the importance of spiritual heritage. Each generation has a role in passing down faith and responsibilities to the next.

Faithfulness in Service
The descendants of Gershom were entrusted with specific duties. This teaches us the value of being faithful in the roles God assigns to us, no matter how seemingly small or large.

God's Purpose in Every Generation
Names like Zimmah, meaning "purpose," remind us that God has a purpose for each generation. We are called to seek and fulfill God's purpose in our lives.

Unity in the Body of Christ
Jahath's name, meaning "union," can inspire us to strive for unity within the church, working together to fulfill God's mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding your spiritual heritage influence your faith and actions today?

2. In what ways can you be faithful in the roles and responsibilities God has given you, similar to the Gershonites?

3. How can you discover and pursue God's purpose for your life, as suggested by the name Zimmah?

4. What steps can you take to promote unity within your church or community, reflecting the meaning of Jahath's name?

5. How do the genealogies in the Bible, such as the one in 1 Chronicles 6:20, encourage you to value each generation's contribution to God's work?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 6:16-17
This passage provides the genealogy of Levi, including Gershom, and establishes the foundation for the Levitical priesthood.

Numbers 3:21-24
These verses describe the duties of the Gershonites, emphasizing their role in the care and transportation of the tabernacle, which underscores their importance in Israel's worship.

1 Chronicles 23:6-11
This passage further details the divisions of the Levites, including the descendants of Gershom, and their responsibilities in the temple service.
Lessons from Lists; Or, a Sermon in NamesW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 6:1-30
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abdon, Abiah, Abihu, Abijah, Abishua, Adaiah, Ahimaaz, Ahimoth, Ahitub, Alemeth, Amariah, Amasai, Amaziah, Amminadab, Amram, Amzi, Anathoth, Aner, Asaiah, Asaph, Asher, Assir, Azariah, Baaseiah, Bani, Benjamin, Berachiah, Berechiah, Bezer, Bukki, Caleb, Dan, David, Debir, Ebiasaph, Eleazar, Eliab, Eliel, Elkanah, Eshtemoa, Ethan, Ethni, Gad, Gershom, Gershomites, Gershon, Gibeon, Haggiah, Hashabiah, Heman, Hilkiah, Iddo, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Izhar, Jahath, Jeaterai, Jehozadak, Jephunneh, Jeroham, Joah, Joel, Johanan, Kishi, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahath, Mahli, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Meraioth, Merari, Merarites, Michael, Miriam, Mushi, Nadab, Nahath, Naphtali, Nebuchadnezzar, Phinehas, Rehob, Reuben, Samuel, Saul, Seraiah, Shallum, Shamer, Shaul, Shemer, Shemuel, Shimea, Shimei, Simeon, Solomon, Tahath, Toah, Uriel, Uzza, Uzzah, Uzzi, Uzziah, Uzziel, Vashni, Zadok, Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zerah, Zerahiah, Zimmah, Zophai, Zuph
Places
Abdon, Aijalon, Alemeth, Anathoth, Anem, Aner, Ashan, Ashtaroth, Assyria, Bashan, Beth-horon, Beth-shemesh, Bezer, Bileam, Daberath, Debir, Eshtemoa, Galilee, Gath-rimmon, Geba, Gezer, Gibeon, Gilead, Golan, Hammon, Hebron, Heshbon, Hilen, Hukok, Jahzah, Jattir, Jazer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jokmeam, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kedesh, Kiriathaim, Libnah, Mahanaim, Mashal, Mephaath, Most Holy Place, Ramoth, Rehob, Shechem, Tabor
Topics
Gershom, Jahath, Jehath, Libni, Zimmah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 6:3

     5072   Aaron, spokesman

Library
David's Choristers
'They stood in their office, according to their order.'--1 CHRON. vi. 32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for 'the service of song in the house of the Lord.' The waves of their choral praise have long ages since ceased to eddy round the 'tabernacle of the tent of meeting,' and all that is left of their melodious companies is a dry list of names, in spite of which the dead owners of them are nameless. But the chronicler's description of them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean!
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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