Exodus 6:15
The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the clans of Simeon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights Shaul as "the son of a Canaanite woman," subtly pointing out the intermingling of Israelite and Canaanite lineage within Simeon's descendants. This detail isn't just a genealogical footnote; it signifies the presence of foreign influence within the emerging nation, even as they are poised for their exodus.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy that Moses is recounting to establish the lineage of Aaron and himself, emphasizing their Israelite heritage and divine appointment. It lists the heads of the tribes of Reuben and Simeon, with Exodus 6:15 specifically detailing the sons of Simeon and noting one clan's intermarriage with a Canaanite woman, highlighting the integration of different peoples within the growing Israelite population in Egypt before their eventual deliverance.
Why does the text specifically mention Shaul's mother being a Canaanite? What does this tell us about the complex reality of Israel's early generations?
The mention of Shaul being 'the son of a Canaanite woman' (Exodus 6:15) isn't just a detail; it's a significant marker. It highlights that by this point, the lines between the descendants of Jacob and the surrounding peoples were becoming blurred. Israel was growing in Egypt, and intermarriage was occurring. This specific detail about Simeon's lineage reminds us that God's people were not always a perfectly pure, isolated group. Even within the chosen lineage, there were complexities and 'outsiders' becoming part of the family. It shows God's grace in working with imperfect people and diverse situations, incorporating different backgrounds into His unfolding plan.
Why list these names at this crucial moment? What's the deeper purpose behind detailing the 'heads of their fathers' houses'?
This isn't just a dry historical record; it's a foundational moment for the Exodus narrative. By listing the sons of Simeon (and later Levi), Moses is establishing legitimacy. These names represent the heads of the families within the tribe. This genealogy serves to authenticate Moses and Aaron, proving they are indeed from the 'right stock'—descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In a time of great doubt and oppression, grounding the leadership in a clear, God-ordained lineage provides a crucial anchor. It assures the people that their deliverance is not arbitrary but part of a long, unfolding divine promise, carried out by those with genuine authority from God and their ancestors.
This detailed genealogy, listing the sons of Simeon, grounds the miraculous Exodus in the real lineage of Jacob's family. It emphasizes that God's monumental act of deliverance was not for an anonymous mass, but for specific, identifiable people within His chosen lineage.
c. 1800 BC
Jacob and his family settle in Egypt
Jacob's family, including his twelve sons and their descendants, migrate to Egypt during a famine, eventually settling in the land of Goshen.
c. 1525-1400 BC
Israelites multiply greatly in Egypt
Over several generations, the descendants of Jacob (the Israelites) experience significant population growth in Egypt, becoming a large and influential population.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites enter slavery in Egypt
A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, rises to power and enslaves the Israelites, fearing their growing numbers and potential for rebellion.
c. 1446 BC
Moses is born and raised in Pharaoh's court
Moses, a descendant of Levi, is born into Israelite slavery, miraculously saved, and raised as an Egyptian prince in Pharaoh's household.
This passage is a direct precursor, listing the same sons of Simeon as part of Jacob's family descending into Egypt, establishing the continuity of these family lines.
Numbers 26:12-13This passage provides a census count of the families of Simeon later in their history, showing some variations in names (Nemuel for Jemuel, Zerah for Zohar) and noting the continuation of the Shaul family, highlighting the dynamic nature of these lineages.
1 Chronicles 4:24-27This passage offers another genealogical account of Simeon's descendants, further detailing the family of Shaul, including its expansion and prominent members, illustrating the differing historical records and focus of each biblical book.
Joshua 19:1-9This chapter describes the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon in the land of Canaan, referencing these same family heads as the basis for their territorial allotment, connecting these genealogies to the fulfillment of God's promises of land.
gillExodus 6:15: "And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon."
And the sons of Simeon, Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman,.... See Gill on Genesis 46:10 . these are the families of Simeon; who gave rise and name to the several families of that tribe now in Egypt.
calvinExodus 6:14-30: "These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben."
Filii Simeon, Jemuel, et Jamin, Ohad, et Jachin et Sohar, et Saul filius Chananaeae. Hae cognationes Simeon.
And these are the names of the sons of Levi, according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
Et haec nomina…
The verse highlights Shaul as "the son of a Canaanite woman," subtly pointing out the intermingling of Israelite and Canaanite lineage within Simeon's descendants. This detail isn't just a genealogical footnote; it signifies the presence of foreign influence within the emerging nation, even as they are poised for their exodus.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy that Moses is recounting to establish the lineage of Aaron and himself, emphasizing their Israelite heritage and divine appointment. It lists the heads of the tribes of Reuben and Simeon, with Exodus 6:15 specifically detailing the sons of Simeon and noting one clan's intermarriage with a Canaanite woman, highlighting the integration of different peoples within the growing Israelite population in Egypt before their eventual deliverance.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogy that Moses is recounting to establish the lineage of Aaron and himself, emphasizing their Israelite heritage and divine appointment. It lists the heads of the tribes of Reuben and Simeon, with Exodus 6:15 specifically detailing the sons of Simeon and noting one clan's intermarriage with a Canaanite woman, highlighting the integration of different peoples within the growing Israelite population in Egypt before their eventual deliverance.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Exodus 6:15 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1406 BC
Moses flees to Midian
After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses flees Egypt and lives as a shepherd in Midian for forty years.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
The Burning Bush and God's commission to Moses
God appears to Moses in a burning bush, revealing His name, Jehovah, and commissioning Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
c. 1406 BC
God reaffirms His covenant promises
In the context of Moses's commissioning, God reiterates His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing His faithfulness and His intent to deliver His people.
"The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the clans of Simeon." — The verse highlights Shaul as "the son of a Canaanite woman," subtly pointing out the intermingling of Israelite and Canaanite lineage within Simeon's descendants. This detail isn't just a genealogic…
