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Exodus 6:17 - Levi's lineage: who continues?

Exodus 6:17 - שמות 6:17

Hebrew Text

בְּנֵי גֵרְשׁוֹן לִבְנִי וְשִׁמְעִי לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם׃

English Translation

The sons of Gershon, Livni and Shim῾i, according to their families.

Transliteration

Bnei Gershon Livni v'Shimi l'mishp'chotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּנֵ֥י גֵרְשׁ֛וֹן לִבְנִ֥י וְשִׁמְעִ֖י לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃
בְּנֵ֥י גֵרְשׁ֛וֹן לִבְנִ֥י וְשִׁמְעִ֖י לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 3:21) lists the sons of Gershon, one of the three sons of Levi, as part of the census of the Levitical families. Gershon's descendants were assigned specific duties in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), primarily related to transporting its coverings and curtains (Bamidbar 4:24-26).

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) notes that the names Livni and Shim῾i appear with slight variations elsewhere in the Torah (e.g., Shemot 6:17, where they are called Libni and Shimei). He explains that such variations in spelling are common in Tanach and do not indicate different individuals. Rashi also emphasizes that these names reflect the families' roles in the service of the Mishkan.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra adds that the phrase "לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם" (according to their families) highlights the organizational structure of the Levites. Each family had distinct responsibilities, ensuring an orderly system for the Mishkan's maintenance and transport during the Israelites' journeys in the wilderness.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:12) connects the names of Gershon's sons to their spiritual qualities:

  • Livni (לִבְנִי) – Derived from lavan (white), symbolizing purity and dedication in their service.
  • Shim῾i (שִׁמְעִי) – From shemuah (hearing), representing their attentiveness to divine commandments.

Halachic Significance

Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2) derives from this verse that Levitical duties were hereditary, passed down through families. The meticulous recording of lineages in the Torah underscores the importance of preserving these sacred roles for future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the sons of Gershon mentioned in Exodus 6:17?
A: The sons of Gershon were Livni and Shim῾i. Gershon was the eldest son of Levi, making Livni and Shim῾i grandsons of Levi. This verse lists their names as part of the genealogy of the Levites, who had special roles in the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why is the family of Gershon important in the Torah?
A: The family of Gershon, as descendants of Levi, had important duties related to the Mishkan. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Bamidbar 3:21-26), the Gershonites were responsible for transporting the coverings, curtains, and hangings of the Mishkan during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness.
Q: What does 'according to their families' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'according to their families' emphasizes that the descendants of Gershon were organized into distinct family groups (Livni and Shim῾i). This was important for assigning roles, responsibilities, and inheritance within the tribe of Levi, as explained in traditional sources like Rambam's Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash).
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of the Exodus?
A: This verse is part of the genealogy establishing the Levitical families who would later serve in the Mishkan. It reinforces the importance of lineage in Jewish tradition, particularly for the priestly and Levitical roles that would be central to the Israelites' worship after leaving Egypt, as discussed in Midrashic sources.