Geshuri and the Geshurites refer to a group of people and their territory mentioned in the Old Testament. The Geshurites were a small, yet significant, group located in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. Their land was situated between the territories of Aram (Syria) and Israel, making them a people of interest in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

1. Territorial Boundaries:
The Geshurites are first mentioned in the context of the territorial boundaries of the Promised Land. In Joshua 13:2-3, the Geshurites are listed among the peoples whose lands were not fully conquered by the Israelites: "This is the land that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and the Geshurites." This indicates that the Geshurites maintained a distinct presence in their region despite the Israelite conquests.

2. David's Connection:
The Geshurites are notably connected to King David through his marriage to Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. This marriage is mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3: "His second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third was Absalom the son of Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur." This alliance through marriage suggests a political relationship between David and the Geshurites, which was not uncommon in the ancient Near East to secure peace and alliances.

3. Absalom's Refuge:
The Geshurites also play a role in the account of Absalom, David's son. After Absalom killed his brother Amnon, he fled to Geshur and stayed there for three years, as recorded in 2 Samuel 13:37-38: "Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years." This refuge highlights the continued relationship between David's family and the Geshurites.

4. Military Campaigns:
The Geshurites are also mentioned in the context of David's military campaigns. In 1 Samuel 27:8, David conducted raids against the Geshurites while he was living among the Philistines: "Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. From ancient times these peoples had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt." This indicates that the Geshurites were considered adversaries at certain points in Israel's history.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Geshurites, like many small kingdoms and tribes in the ancient Near East, were often caught between larger powers. Their strategic location made them both a potential ally and a target for surrounding nations. The marriage alliance between David and the Geshurite royal family suggests that they were a people of some influence and importance.

The Geshurites' interactions with Israel, particularly through the narrative of David and Absalom, provide insight into the complex political and familial dynamics of the time. The Geshurites, while not a major power, played a role in the unfolding history of Israel and its neighboring regions.Geshuri and Geshurites

1. The inhabitants of Geshur. (3:14; Joshua 12:5; 13:11)
2. An ancient tribe which dwelt in the desert between Arabia and Philistia. (Joshua 13:2; 1 Samuel 27:8)

1651. Geshuri -- inhab. of Geshur, also a people South of ...
... Geshuri, Geshurites. Patrial from Gshuwr; a Geshurite (also collectively) or
inhabitants of Geshur -- Geshuri, Geshurites. see HEBREW Gshuwr. 1650, 1651. ...
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