Genesis 46:11
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
The sons of Levi:
Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah. His descendants, the Levites, were set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This lineage is significant as it establishes the priestly and Levitical lines in Israel. Levi's role in the family of Jacob is crucial, as his descendants were chosen by God for specific religious functions, highlighting the importance of lineage and divine selection in biblical history.

Gershon,
Gershon was the firstborn son of Levi. His descendants, the Gershonites, were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and hangings. This role underscores the importance of maintaining the sacred space where God dwelled among His people. The Gershonites' duties reflect the broader theme of holiness and the need for order and reverence in worship.

Kohath,
Kohath was the second son of Levi. The Kohathites had the most prestigious duties among the Levites, as they were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant. This highlights the theme of holiness and the direct handling of sacred items, which required a high level of purity and reverence. The Kohathites' role points to the centrality of God's presence and the need for careful stewardship of His commands.

and Merari.
Merari was the third son of Levi. His descendants, the Merarites, were tasked with the transportation and maintenance of the Tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases. This role emphasizes the importance of the physical structure that housed the presence of God, reflecting the need for a stable and secure place for worship. The Merarites' responsibilities illustrate the broader biblical theme of community and cooperation in serving God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Levi
Levi is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. He is the patriarch of the tribe of Levi, which holds a special place in Israelite history as the tribe set apart for religious duties and priesthood.

2. Gershon
Gershon is the first son of Levi. His descendants, the Gershonites, were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's fabrics, including the curtains and coverings.

3. Kohath
Kohath is the second son of Levi. The Kohathites had the important duty of caring for the sanctuary's most sacred objects, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, and the altars.

4. Merari
Merari is the third son of Levi. His descendants, the Merarites, were tasked with the maintenance and transportation of the tabernacle's structural components, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases.

5. Jacob's Journey to Egypt
This event marks the migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt, where they would eventually become a great nation. It is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, setting the stage for the Exodus.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family Legacy
The sons of Levi each had distinct roles that contributed to the worship and spiritual life of Israel. This highlights the importance of family legacy and the unique contributions each family member can make to God's work.

Diversity of Roles in God's Kingdom
Just as the Levite clans had different responsibilities, so too does the body of Christ have diverse gifts and roles. Each believer is called to serve in their unique capacity for the edification of the church.

Faithfulness in Service
The Levites' dedication to their duties serves as a model for faithfulness in whatever task God assigns us. Our service, whether seen or unseen, is valuable in God's eyes.

God's Sovereign Plan
The migration of Jacob's family to Egypt was part of God's sovereign plan to grow them into a great nation. Trusting in God's plan, even when it leads us into unfamiliar territory, is crucial for our spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the legacy of Levi's sons inspire you to consider your own family's spiritual legacy?

2. In what ways can you identify with the diverse roles of the Levite clans in your own church or community?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's plan despite uncertainty. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can you apply the principle of faithfulness in service to your current responsibilities, whether in church, work, or family?

5. Considering the roles of the Levites, how can you encourage others in their unique contributions to the body of Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 6:16-19
This passage provides a genealogy of Levi's descendants, reinforcing the roles and responsibilities of the Levite clans in the service of the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:17-37
This scripture details the specific duties assigned to the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites, highlighting their importance in the religious life of Israel.

Deuteronomy 10:8-9
These verses emphasize the special role of the Levites, chosen by God to carry the Ark of the Covenant and to stand before Him to minister and bless in His name.
The Beginning of the NationR.A. Redford Genesis 46:8-27
The Catalogue of the Children of IsraelT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:8-27
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Gershon, Kohath, Levi, Merari, Merar'i, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:5-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

Genesis 46:8-27

     7230   genealogies

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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