Lexical Summary Geshem or Gashmu: Geshem, Gashmu Original Word: גֶּשֶׁם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Geshem, Gashmu Or (prolonged) Gashmuw {gash-moo'}; the same as geshem; Geshem or Gashmu, an Arabian -- Geshem, Gashmu. see HEBREW geshem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as geshem Definition an opponent of Nehemiah NASB Translation Gashmu (1), Geshem (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. גֶּ֫שֶׁם proper name, masculine an opponent of Nehemiah Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 6:1 (in both called הָעַרְבִּי); Nehemiah 6:2; also גַּשְׁמוּ Nehemiah 6:6; וּ as in Nabataean proper name compare Nö in EutNab 73. גַּשְׁמוּ proper name, see I. גֶּשֶׁם. above Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Geshem (גֶּשֶׁם, also spelled Gashmu) is presented in Scripture as an influential Arabian chieftain who joined forces with Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite in opposing Nehemiah’s divinely sanctioned effort to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 2–6). Contemporary Aramaic inscriptions from Egypt and North Arabia attest to a “Geshmu king of Kedar,” suggesting that Geshem was a powerful Bedouin leader controlling trade routes across the Syrian-Arabian desert during the Persian period. Historical Background During the fifth century B.C., the Persian Empire governed Judah through regional governors. The Arabs of Kedar, controlling caravan commerce, wielded economic leverage over Judah and Samaria. Alliances between Arab, Ammonite, and Samaritan elites protected their interests; the reconstruction of Jerusalem threatened that status quo by re-establishing a fortified, tax-generating Jewish center loyal to the Persian court and ultimately to Yahweh’s covenant purposes. Geshem’s participation illustrates the geopolitical complexity facing the returning exiles: opposition came not only from Samaria but from a broader coalition whose profits, prestige, and pagan practices were jeopardized by a restored Zion. Biblical Narrative Nehemiah 2:19 records the coalition’s initial ridicule: “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked and despised us, saying, ‘What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?’” After the work advanced, the opposition escalated: “Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: ‘Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.’ But they were scheming to harm me.” (Nehemiah 6:2) Their final tactic was slander: “It is reported among the nations—and Gashmu agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to rebel; therefore you are rebuilding the wall.” (Nehemiah 6:6) In every case Nehemiah responded with prayerful discernment, refusing distraction (6:3), exposing falsehood (6:8), and continuing the work until completion (6:15-16). Tactics of Opposition 1. Mockery and Psychological Intimidation (2:19) Geshem’s actions exemplify strategies employed by hostile powers against God’s people: ridicule, fear, compromise, and false testimony. Theological Significance 1. Providence versus Political Power: The wall’s completion despite Geshem’s influence underscores God’s sovereignty over international forces (Nehemiah 6:16). Lessons for Ministry • Expect Opposition: Faithful service often disrupts entrenched interests. Summary Geshem the Arab stands as a historical reminder that the work of God attracts powerful resistance. Yet his ultimate failure magnifies the triumph of steadfast faith, strategic leadership, and divine oversight in advancing God’s redemptive plan through His people. Forms and Transliterations וְגֶ֙שֶׁם֙ וְגַשְׁמ֣וּ וּלְגֶ֨שֶׁם וגשם וגשמו ולגשם ū·lə·ḡe·šem ūləḡešem uleGeshem vegashMu veGeshem wə·ḡaš·mū wə·ḡe·šem wəḡašmū wəḡešemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 2:19 HEB: הָעֶ֣בֶד הָֽעַמּוֹנִ֗י וְגֶ֙שֶׁם֙ הָֽעַרְבִ֔י וַיַּלְעִ֣גוּ NAS: official, and Geshem the Arab KJV: the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, INT: official the Ammonite and Geshem the Arab mocked Nehemiah 6:1 Nehemiah 6:2 Nehemiah 6:6 4 Occurrences |
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