Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Gershon, also spelled Gershom, is a significant biblical figure known as the firstborn son of Levi, the patriarch of the Levitical tribe. His descendants, the Gershonites, played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel, particularly in the service of the Tabernacle.
Biblical References:Gershon is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the sons of Levi: "The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari" (
Genesis 46:11). His lineage is further detailed in the genealogical records found in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Numbers.
Role and Duties:The Gershonites were assigned specific duties related to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. According to
Numbers 3:25-26 , "The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were to care for the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—all the service for these items."
The Gershonites were responsible for the transport and maintenance of the Tabernacle's fabrics and coverings, ensuring that the sacred space was properly assembled and disassembled as the Israelites journeyed. This role was vital for the preservation of the holiness and functionality of the Tabernacle.
Levitical Cities:In the distribution of the Levitical cities, the Gershonites were allocated several towns within the territories of other tribes.
Joshua 21:27-33 lists these cities, which included Golan in Bashan and Beeshterah from the half-tribe of Manasseh, as well as other cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali. These cities provided the Gershonites with places to live and pasturelands for their livestock.
Significance in Israelite Worship:The Gershonites' service was integral to the worship and religious practices of the Israelites. By managing the Tabernacle's coverings and curtains, they contributed to the proper conduct of worship and the observance of God's commandments regarding the sacred space. Their work ensured that the Tabernacle remained a fitting dwelling place for the presence of God among His people.
Legacy:The legacy of Gershon and his descendants is one of faithful service and dedication to the worship of God. As part of the Levitical priesthood, the Gershonites exemplified the importance of obedience and reverence in the religious life of Israel. Their contributions to the maintenance and operation of the Tabernacle highlight the collaborative effort required to uphold the spiritual and communal life of the nation.
Conclusion:While Gershon himself is not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, his descendants' role in the Levitical duties underscores the importance of each family's contribution to the collective worship and service of God. The Gershonites' responsibilities remind us of the value of service and the diverse ways in which God's people can participate in His work.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Gershonhis banishment; the change of pilgrimage
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Gershon(exile). The eldest of the three sons of Levi, born before the descent of Jacob's family into Egypt. (Genesis 46:11;Exodus 6:16) (B.C. before 1706.) But, though the eldest born, the families of Gershon were outstripped in fame by their younger brethren of Kohath, from whom sprang Moses and the priestly line of Aaron.
ATS Bible Dictionary
GershonThe eldest son of Levi, and head of one of the three branches of the Levitical tribe,Genesis 46:11;Exodus 6:16. The Gershonites encamped west of the tabernacle in the wilderness, and carried its curtains and other parts form station to station,Numbers 3:17,25; 4:24-28,38- 41; 10:17. Thirteen cities were assigned to them in northern Canaan,Joshua 21:6;1 Chronicles 6:62,71.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Ger'shom expulsion, the eldest of Levi's three sons (
Genesis 46:11;
Exodus 6:16).
In the wilderness the sons of Gershon had charge of the fabrics of the taber
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GERSHON; GERSHONITESgur'-shon, gur'-shon-its (gereshon, written also gereshom): Firstborn of the 3 sons of Levi (Exodus 6:16Numbers 3:171 Chronicles 6:1, 16;1 Chronicles 23:6). He had two sons, Libni, also known as Ladan (1 Chronicles 23:7;1 Chronicles 26:21), and Shimei (Exodus 6:17Numbers 3:181 Chronicles 6:17, 20), and consequently two groups of descendants, enumerated in the census taken in the Wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 3:21) and that in the Plains of Moab (Numbers 26:57). In the distribution of functions among the Levites, the Gershonites were charged with the carrying of the curtains, coverings, screens, hangings, cords and instruments of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting on the journeys in the wilderness, under the supervision of Ithamar the son of Aaron. Their function was thus more exalted than that of the Merarites, who carried the boards, and less so than that of the Kohathites, who carried the most holy utensils and symbols. The Gershonites were given two wagons with four oxen-half as many as the Merarites, according to their service (Numbers 7:7). Thirteen cities were assigned to the Gershonites in Northern Palestine by Eleazar and Joshua (Jos 21:6, 27-33, 6:62, 71-76).
Among the Gershonites who achieved distinction in later Biblical times was the family of Asaph, the singers from the time of David to the days of the Second Temple (1 Chronicles 6:31-47;1 Chronicles 25:1-7; 15:7, 17, 19; 16:5, 72 Chronicles 25:15Ezra 2:41;Ezra 3:10Nehemiah 11:17, 22;Nehemiah 12:351 Chronicles 9:15). Other Gershonites named are the heads of the fathers' houses in the days of David in connection with the dividing of the Levites into courses (1 Chronicles 23:7-11); the superintendents of the treasuries of the house of the Lord of the same time (1 Chronicles 26:21, 22;1 Chronicles 29:8); and, finally, Gershonites are mentioned among those who cleansed the house of the Lord in the days of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:12, 13).
Ella Davis Isaacs
Strong's Hebrew
1649. Gereshunni -- descendant ofGershon... descendant of
Gershon. Transliteration: Gereshunni Phonetic Spelling: (gay-resh-
oon-nee') Short Definition: Gershonites.
... Gershonite, sons of
Gershon.
...1648. Gereshon -- a son of Levi
... Gereshon or Gereshom. 1649 . a son of Levi. Transliteration: Gereshon or Gereshom
Phonetic Spelling: (gay-resh-one') Short Definition:Gershon....Gershon, Gershom...
Library
Princely Service.
... Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons ofGershon, according to their service,
and four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari...
Chapter xlvi
... And the sons of Levi:Gershon, Kohath and Merari.... of "Jarib." "Zohar" appears as
"Zerah." "Gershon" (v.11) has the parallel "Gershom" (I Chron.)....
Thesaurus
Gershon (23 Occurrences)... In the wilderness the sons of
Gershon had charge of the fabrics of the taber.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
GERSHON; GERSHONITES.
...Merar'i (32 Occurrences)
... Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi:Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.... Numbers 3:17 And
these were the sons of Levi by their names:Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari....
Gershonites (17 Occurrences)
...GERSHON; GERSHONITES.... Numbers 3:21 OfGershon was the family of the Libnites, and
the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites....
Gershonite (14 Occurrences)
... Gershonite (14 Occurrences). Numbers 3:18 And these are the names of the sons
ofGershon by their families: Libni and Shimei. (See NIV)....
Merari (38 Occurrences)
... me-ra'-ri (merari, "bitter"; Mararei): (1) The 3rd son of Levi, his brothers,Gershon
and Kohath, being always mentioned together with him (Genesis 46:11...
Libni (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary White, one of the two sons ofGershon, the son
of Levi (Exodus 6:17; Numbers 3:18, 21). (see LAADAN.). Int....
Kohath (30 Occurrences)
... Genesis 46:11 The sons of Levi:Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.... Numbers 3:17 These were
the sons of Levi by their names:Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari....
Shimei (43 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Famous. (1.) A son ofGershon, and grandson of Levi (Numbers
3:18; 1 Chronicles 6:17, 29); called Shimi in Exodus 6:17....
Gershom (16 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Expulsion. (1.) The eldest son of Levi (1 Chronicles
6:16, 17, 20, 43, 62, 71; 15:7)=GERSHON (qv). (2.) The...
Clans (120 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 6:17 The sons ofGershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their
families. (See NIV). Exodus 6:19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi....
Resources
Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Shimei in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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