It confirms how a single line of Levites was carefully preserved to honor the LORD’s covenant across the generations.
The genealogical record continues in 1 Chronicles with the Levite line, stating: “Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,” (1 Chronicles 6:20). Gershom is one of the sons of Levi, placing him in the tribe specifically set apart for the worship and service of the LORD in ancient Israel. Historically, Levi was born around the early second millennium BC, as one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Gershom’s name appears throughout the Old Testament in lists that underscore Israel’s priestly organization. These names—Gershom, Libni, Jahath, and Zimmah—show a direct line of descent, reminding God’s people that their service in the tabernacle (and eventually the temple) emerges from a divinely ordered lineage. Because the Levites were entrusted with the care and transport of the tabernacle’s articles (Numbers 3:6-9), these family trees highlight faithful dedication passed down through generations.
By preserving names like “Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son” (v.20), the chronicler emphasizes the heritage that ties each generation back to the covenant promises. While these individuals may not be as well-known as biblical figures such as Moses, they nonetheless played key roles in maintaining the spiritual fabric of ancient Israel. Their genealogical link to Levi, and therefore their location in Israel, places them within the promised land after the Exodus, primarily in the region assigned for the Levites’ cities. The continuity of these families from Levi through Gershom and onward parallels the fidelity of God’s plan, eventually culminating in the greatest High Priest, Jesus Himself (Hebrews 4:14-16), tying the Old Testament lineage to the New Testament fulfillment.
This verse points us to the faithfulness of God’s design in establishing worship and service through specific families who carried out vital roles in Israel’s spiritual life.
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1 Chronicles 6:20 meaning
The genealogical record continues in 1 Chronicles with the Levite line, stating: “Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,” (1 Chronicles 6:20). Gershom is one of the sons of Levi, placing him in the tribe specifically set apart for the worship and service of the LORD in ancient Israel. Historically, Levi was born around the early second millennium BC, as one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Gershom’s name appears throughout the Old Testament in lists that underscore Israel’s priestly organization. These names—Gershom, Libni, Jahath, and Zimmah—show a direct line of descent, reminding God’s people that their service in the tabernacle (and eventually the temple) emerges from a divinely ordered lineage. Because the Levites were entrusted with the care and transport of the tabernacle’s articles (Numbers 3:6-9), these family trees highlight faithful dedication passed down through generations.
By preserving names like “Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son” (v.20), the chronicler emphasizes the heritage that ties each generation back to the covenant promises. While these individuals may not be as well-known as biblical figures such as Moses, they nonetheless played key roles in maintaining the spiritual fabric of ancient Israel. Their genealogical link to Levi, and therefore their location in Israel, places them within the promised land after the Exodus, primarily in the region assigned for the Levites’ cities. The continuity of these families from Levi through Gershom and onward parallels the fidelity of God’s plan, eventually culminating in the greatest High Priest, Jesus Himself (Hebrews 4:14-16), tying the Old Testament lineage to the New Testament fulfillment.
This verse points us to the faithfulness of God’s design in establishing worship and service through specific families who carried out vital roles in Israel’s spiritual life.