1. Exodus 1:2–4 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How are the names of the sons of Israel organized?

Exodus 1:2–4 (ESV)

2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,

The list does not follow the birth order (see Genesis 29:31 – 30:24; Genesis 35:18) but is organized according to the mother, as in Genesis 35:22–26:

  • Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun

  • Rachel: Benjamin

  • Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan, Naphtali

  • Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad, Asher

The children of Jacob’s wives are listed first and then those of his wives’ servants. The significance of the order should not be exaggerated because various orders are used in Scripture (see Genesis 46:8–27; Genesis 49:3–27; 1 Chronicles 2:1–2).