Geshur is a region and a people group mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the territory east of the Jordan River. The name "Geshur" is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "bridge," which may indicate its geographical or strategic significance. The Geshurites were a small Aramean kingdom located in the area of Bashan, north of the Yarmuk River, and bordered by the territories of Manasseh and the Arameans.

Biblical References:

1. Territorial Allotment:
· In the division of the Promised Land, Geshur is mentioned as a region that was not conquered by the Israelites. Joshua 13:13 states, "But the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites, so Geshur and Maacath dwell among the Israelites to this day." This indicates that the Geshurites maintained their presence and autonomy within the land allocated to the tribes of Israel, particularly in the territory of Manasseh.

2. David's Connection to Geshur:
· Geshur holds significance in the narrative of King David. David married Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, as recorded 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 marriage alliance indicates a political relationship between David and the Geshurites.
· Absalom, David's son by Maacah, fled to Geshur after killing his half-brother Amnon. 2 Samuel 13:37-38 recounts, "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 in Geshur underscores the familial ties and the political asylum provided by Talmai.

3. Military Campaigns:
· The Geshurites are also mentioned in the context of David's military campaigns. In 1 Samuel 27:8, it is recorded, "Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (For they had inhabited the land from ancient times, as you come to Shur and as far as the land of Egypt.)" This passage highlights the Geshurites as one of the groups targeted by David during his time in Ziklag, indicating their presence in the southern regions as well.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Geshurites, as a people, were likely of Aramean descent, sharing cultural and linguistic ties with other Aramean groups in the region. Their kingdom, though small, played a role in the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East, interacting with larger powers such as Israel and Aram.

The strategic location of Geshur, bridging territories and serving as a buffer zone, may have contributed to its survival and autonomy despite the expansionist policies of neighboring kingdoms. The marriage alliance between David and the royal family of Geshur suggests a diplomatic approach to securing peace and influence in the region.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Geshurites' continued presence in the land serves as a reminder of the incomplete conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, as commanded by God. Their interactions with Israel, particularly through the narrative of David and Absalom, illustrate the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of political alliances.

The account of Absalom's refuge in Geshur also highlights themes of justice, mercy, and reconciliation, as David's eventual acceptance of Absalom back into Jerusalem reflects the tension between law and grace, a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative.Geshuri Geshur Geshurites

The name of a district and people in Syria. Geshur lay upon the eastern side of the Jordan between Bashan, Maachah, and Mount Hermon, and within the limits of the Hebrew territory; but the Israelites did not expel its inhabitants, Joshua 12:5; 13:13. They appear to have been brought under tribute, 1 Chronicles 2:23, but to have retained their own kings. One of David's wives, Maachah the mother of Absalom, was daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; and it was here that Absalom found refuge after the murder of Amnon, and remained three years with his grandfather, 2 Samuel 3:3; 13:37; 15:8. The word Geshur signifies bridge; and in the border of the region, where, according to the above data, we must place Geshur, between mount Hermon and the lake of Tiberias, there still exists an ancient stone bridge of four arches over the Jordan, called Jisr-Beni-Jakub, that is, the bridge of the children of Jacob. There seems to have been here an important pass on the route to Damascus and the East.

There was also a people of the same name in the south of Palestine, near the Philistines, 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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