Lexical Summary Geshuri: Geshurites Original Word: גְּשׁוּרִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Geshuri, Geshurites Patrial from Gshuwr; a Geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of Geshur -- Geshuri, Geshurites. see HEBREW Gshuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Geshur Definition inhab. of Geshur, also a people S. of Philistia NASB Translation Geshurites (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs גְּשׁוּרִי adjective, of a people = substantive ׳הַגּ; 1 people dwelling in Geshûr (above) Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:11,13. 2 a tribe of, or near, the Philistines Joshua 13:2 read probably הֵגִּוְרִי We and Dr (on 1 Samuel 27:8), MeyZAW i. 126 n GFMJudg 1:29 n., also 1 Samuel 27:8, but deleted ᵐ5 (not ᵐ5L) compare We Dr; read possibly אשׁורי HomAufsätze i. (1892), 9; 2 Samuel 2:9 read ׳הגּ for האשׁורי. Topical Lexicon Geographical SettingThe designation גְּשׁוּרִי (Geshuri) identifies the inhabitants of Geshur, a territory whose borders touched both the northern Trans-Jordan and, in another context, the extreme south of Canaan. In the north it lay east of the Jordan, bounded by Bashan, Mount Hermon, and the region of Argob (Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:11). In the south the name surfaces among the peoples occupying the coastal plain stretching toward Egypt (Joshua 13:2; 1 Samuel 27:8). The dual appearance suggests either a migration of the same clan or two related but distinct groups bearing the same ethnonym. Biblical Occurrences 1. Border marker in Moses’ recitation of conquered land (Deuteronomy 3:14). In Deuteronomy 3:14 the text notes, “Jair son of Manasseh captured the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites”. Centuries later David “raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites” (1 Samuel 27:8), revealing that these people groups endured well into the monarchy. Historical Significance Incomplete obedience during the conquest left enclaves such as the Geshurites within Israel’s borders (Joshua 13:13). This residual presence became a persistent factor in Israel’s story: • Strategic Buffer: Northern Geshur lay between Israel and the expanding Aramean states. Its independence formed a political buffer but also a spiritual snare as Israel was tempted toward alliances and intermarriage (cf. David’s marriage to Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 2 Samuel 3:3). • Cause of Later Conflict: David’s southern raids against the Geshurites demonstrate that the unresolved presence of Canaanite peoples continued to demand military attention, absorbing resources that could have been devoted to consolidating the kingdom. • Refuge for Rebellion: After Absalom murdered Amnon he fled to Geshur (2 Samuel 13:37), where his maternal grandfather ruled. The haven provided by Geshur facilitated Absalom’s later revolt, illustrating how remnants of unconquered peoples could harbor threats to Israel’s stability. Interactions with Israel • Tribal Allotments: The northern Geshurites bordered land assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Their persistence complicated Israel’s possession of Bashan’s rich pasturelands. • Davidic Engagement: David’s attacks on the southern Geshurites (1 Samuel 27:8) underscore his effort to secure Judah’s southwestern frontier while projecting loyalty to Achish king of Gath. • Diplomatic Marriage: David’s union with Maacah likely sought peaceful relations with northern Geshur. Yet the alliance sowed seeds of future discord, proving that political expediency often conflicts with covenant fidelity. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Incomplete Conquest Leads to Lingering Compromise Joshua 13:13 records, “the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites and Maacathites.” The text stands as a sober reminder that partial obedience can leave footholds for future spiritual and moral challenges. Ministry application: unchecked sin or tolerated worldliness can, like the Geshurites, survive to trouble later generations. 2. God’s Sovereignty over Boundaries Deuteronomy 3:14 frames the border with Geshur in connection to inheritance. Though Israel failed to possess every parcel, the Lord’s demarcations remained secure. Believers today trust that divine promises are not nullified by human shortcomings; the Lord’s purposes advance notwithstanding. 3. The Perils of Pragmatic Alliances David’s marital and military dealings with Geshur highlight the tension between covenant ideals and political calculus. Church leaders must weigh partnerships carefully, ensuring that mission clarity is not sacrificed on the altar of expedience (2 Corinthians 6:14–18). 4. Refuge and Restoration Absalom’s sojourn in Geshur, while not directly tied to the term Geshuri, illustrates how geographical sanctuaries can become spiritual crucibles. Likewise, places of exile can become places where God summons repentance, though Absalom tragically resisted. Pastoral care calls prodigals to return before rebellion hardens. Conclusion Geshuri represents more than a mere ethnonym; it serves as a narrative thread weaving lessons on obedience, holiness, and the long-term consequences of compromise. Its brief appearances remind readers that every neglected area—geographical or spiritual—may reemerge with amplified influence. Faithful vigilance, rooted in the promises of God, ensures that modern disciples do not repeat Israel’s oversights. Forms and Transliterations הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י הַגְּשׁוּרִ֣י הַגְּשׁוּרִ֥י הַגְּשׁוּרִֽי׃ הגשורי הגשורי׃ hag·gə·šū·rî haggeshuRi haggəšūrîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 3:14 HEB: עַד־ גְּב֥וּל הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י וַיִּקְרָא֩ NAS: as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, KJV: unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; INT: far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites and called Joshua 12:5 Joshua 13:2 Joshua 13:11 Joshua 13:13 1 Samuel 27:8 6 Occurrences |
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