Exodus 6:15
And the sonnes of Simeon: Iemuel, and Iamin, and Ohad and Iachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the sonne of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon. Exodus 6:15 (KJV)
In this verse we encounter a concise genealogical list that records the descendants of the tribe of Simeon within the larger nation of Israel. The six names—Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul—represent the families that formed the Simeonite clan. The mention that Shaul was the son of a Canaanitish woman highlights that intermarriage with Canaanites had already occurred, a fact that later Israelite law would seek to regulate because of the danger of foreign religious influence.
To appreciate the significance of this passage, it helps to view it against the broader narrative of Exodus 6. Earlier in the chapter God reveals His name as the LORD (Yahweh), affirming His eternal faithfulness and sovereignty. He reminds Moses of the covenant promises made to the patriarchs and assures that He will deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Moses and Aaron have just been commissioned to confront Pharaoh, whose hardened heart has already led to a series of plagues.
Within verses 14‑15 the focus shifts from the national deliverance to the internal composition of the people God is about to rescue. By listing the families of Simeon, the text underscores that the covenant community is rooted in real, identifiable lineages. The genealogy serves as a reminder that God’s promises are tied to specific families and that He remains faithful to preserve them through history.
Studying this brief record invites reflection on two themes. First, the meticulous preservation of tribal identities demonstrates God’s care for each branch of Israel, even those with mixed heritage. Second, the presence of a Canaanitish mother reminds readers that God works within imperfect human circumstances, bringing redemption to a people of diverse backgrounds. As believers today, we can see a parallel in how God values the unique stories within the body of Christ while calling us to remain faithful to His covenantal purposes.
