Gershon, also spelled Gershom, is recognized as the firstborn son of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. Levi's lineage is significant in the history of Israel, as it is from this tribe that the Levitical priesthood and the service of the Tabernacle were established. Gershon's descendants, known as the Gershonites, played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of the Israelites.

Biblical References and Lineage

Gershon is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the sons of Levi: "The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari" (Genesis 46:11). His birth is also recorded in Exodus 6:16, which states, "These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years."

The Gershonites, as descendants of Gershon, are listed among the Levites who were set apart for specific duties related to the Tabernacle. Numbers 3:17-18 states, "These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei."

Duties and Responsibilities

The Gershonites were assigned specific responsibilities in the service of the Tabernacle, as outlined in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 3:25-26 details their duties: "The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting involved the tabernacle, the tent and its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—all the service for these items."

These responsibilities highlight the importance of the Gershonites in maintaining the sacred space where the Israelites worshiped and encountered the presence of God. Their work ensured that the Tabernacle was properly assembled, disassembled, and transported as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness.

Inheritance and Settlement

In the distribution of the Promised Land, the Gershonites, like other Levites, did not receive a specific territory as an inheritance. Instead, they were given cities to dwell in among the other tribes of Israel. Joshua 21:6 records, "The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities from the clans of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan."

These cities provided the Gershonites with places to live and serve while fulfilling their duties related to the religious life of the nation. The allocation of cities rather than a contiguous territory underscores the unique role of the Levites as servants of the Lord and His people.

Legacy

The legacy of Gershon and his descendants is one of faithful service and dedication to the worship and ordinances of God. As part of the Levitical tribe, the Gershonites contributed to the spiritual life of Israel, ensuring that the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, functioned according to divine instructions. Their role in the history of Israel exemplifies the importance of obedience and service in the life of faith.Genesis 46:11
And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
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Exodus 6:16,17
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
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Numbers 3:17-26
And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
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Numbers 4:22-28,38
Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;
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Numbers 7:7
Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon, according to their service:
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Numbers 10:17
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
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Numbers 26:57
And these are they that were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites: of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites: of Merari, the family of the Merarites.
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Joshua 21:6
And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
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1 Chronicles 6:1,16,17,20,43,62,71
The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
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1 Chronicles 15:7
Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief and his brothers an hundred and thirty:
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1 Chronicles 23:6
And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
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1648. Gereshon -- a son of Levi
... Definition: Gershon. Word Origin from garash Definition a son of Levi NASB
Word Usage Gershon (17). Gershon, Gershom. Or Gershowm ...
/hebrew/1648.htm - 6k

Chapter xlvi
... And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel and Jamin and Ohad and Jachin and Zohar and Shaul,
the son of the Canaanitish woman. And the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Princely Service.
... four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to ... service, under the hand
of Ithamar the son of Aaron ... The tribe of Levi was in one sense the poorest in ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Shimei in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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