Gerson
Jump to: ISBEThesaurusLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
Gerson, also spelled Gershon, is a significant biblical figure known as the firstborn son of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. As a member of the Levitical tribe, Gerson's descendants played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel, particularly in the service of the Tabernacle.

Biblical References:
Gerson is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the sons of Levi. In Genesis 46:11 , it states, "The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari." This establishes Gerson's place within the family lineage of the Israelites.

Role and Responsibilities:
The descendants of Gerson, known as 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, which were essential for the proper functioning and sanctity of the worship space. This role highlights the importance of Gerson's lineage in maintaining the spiritual life of the Israelite community.

Census and Organization:
In the wilderness, the Gershonites were counted separately from the other Levitical families. Numbers 4:38-41 records the census of the Gershonites: "The number of all the males a month old or more who were counted was 7,500. The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle, under their leader Eliasaph son of Lael."

This organization underscores the structured and orderly nature of the Israelite encampment, with each Levitical family having distinct responsibilities and designated areas around the Tabernacle.

Inheritance and Cities:
The Gershonites, like other Levites, did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, they were given specific cities to dwell in, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. Joshua 21:6 states, "The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the clans of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan."

These cities provided the Gershonites with places to live and serve, ensuring their continued involvement in the religious life of Israel.

Legacy:
Gerson's legacy is preserved through the faithful service of his descendants, who contributed to the spiritual and communal life of Israel. The Gershonites' dedication to their duties exemplifies the broader role of the Levites as caretakers of the sacred and facilitators of worship. Through their service, the Gershonites helped maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people, as outlined in the Mosaic Law.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GERSON

gur'-sun (Gerson; 1 Esdras 8:29): Called Gershom in Ezra 8:2.

Library

The Age of Absolutism and Unbelief
... At that time, mainly owing to the influence of Gerson, D'Ailly, and other French
leaders, the doctrine of the superiority of a General Council over the Pope ...
/.../chapter vii the age of.htm

Of the Distinction of Meats.
... Gerson writes that many fell into despair, and that some even took their own lives,
because they felt that they were not able to satisfy the traditions, and ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvi of the distinction.htm

Preface of Dr. Martin Luther.
... wrath, as they deserve. I often think of the good Gerson who doubts whether
anything good should be [written and] published. If it is ...
/.../luther/the smalcald articles/preface of dr martin luther.htm

Imitation of Christ
... Many manuscripts scattered throughout Europe ascribe the book to Jean le Charlier
de Gerson, the great Chancellor of the University of Paris, who was a leading ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/title page.htm

Chap. Ii Though the Soul Perceive it Self Deprived of Discourse ...
... Thus did Gerson express it, Though I have spent Fourty Years in Reading and Prayer,
yet I could never find any thing more efficacious, nor compendious, for ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap ii though the soul.htm

Pursues the Same.
... it is a good Spirit that speaks to it; yet unless it submit to the judgment of the
Spiritual Director, let it be esteemed an evil Spirit: So says Gerson, (Tract ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap x pursues the same.htm

Of Reading, which is Next to Prayer. ...
... Teresa, of [19]B. John de Cruce; likewise Harphius, Thaulerus, [20]Suso,
[21]Rusbrochius, Richard de St. Victor, Gerson, &c. And ...
/.../chapter iii of reading which.htm

Vive Jesus. Preface.
... of S. Thomas; S. Bonaventure and B. Denis the Carthusian have made divers most
excellent ones on it under various titles, and as for John Gerson, Chancellor of ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/vive jesus preface.htm

The Name of the Place Where John Baptized is not Bethany, as in ...
... attention to such points. One of the sons of Levi, [4925] the first, is called
Geson in most copies, instead of Gerson. His name is the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the name of the.htm

Biographical Sketch.
... Kunschius, being soon after summoned to accompany the Elector to Koenigsberg, took
no part in the conferences, and his place was filled by Gerson Vechner, of ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/biographical sketch.htm

Thesaurus
Gerson
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GERSON. gur'-sun (Gerson;
1 Esdras 8:29): Called Gershom in Ezra 8:2. ...
/g/gerson.htm - 6k

Gershonites (17 Occurrences)

/g/gershonites.htm - 14k

Gersonites (1 Occurrence)

/g/gersonites.htm - 6k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Gerson

Related Terms

Geruth (1 Occurrence)

Gerson

Gershonites
Top of Page
Top of Page