Gera is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies and narratives concerning the tribe of Benjamin. The name "Gera" is associated with several individuals, and it is important to distinguish between them to understand their roles and significance in biblical history.

1. Gera, Son of Benjamin: Gera is listed as one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. In 1 Chronicles 8:3-5, Gera is mentioned among the descendants of Benjamin, indicating his place within the tribal lineage. This genealogical reference underscores the importance of family lines and tribal affiliations in Israelite society.

2. Gera, Ancestor of Ehud: Another notable mention of Gera is as the ancestor of Ehud, the left-handed judge of Israel. In Judges 3:15, the text states, "Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, as their deliverer." Ehud's lineage from Gera highlights the continuation of the Benjamite legacy and God's provision of leaders from within the tribes of Israel to deliver His people from oppression.

3. Gera in the Context of the Exile: In 2 Samuel 16:5, Gera is mentioned in connection with Shimei, a Benjamite who cursed King David during his flight from Absalom. The text reads, "As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out." This incident reflects the ongoing tensions and loyalties within the tribe of Benjamin, particularly in relation to the house of Saul and the Davidic monarchy.

Significance in Biblical Narrative: The references to Gera and his descendants illustrate the complex interplay of tribal identity, leadership, and loyalty in the history of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin, though small, played a significant role in the unfolding account of God's people. Figures like Ehud and Shimei, both linked to Gera, demonstrate the diverse ways in which individuals from this tribe influenced the course of Israel's history, whether through acts of deliverance or expressions of dissent.

Cultural and Theological Implications: The mention of Gera and his descendants serves as a reminder of the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. It also highlights God's sovereignty in raising leaders from unexpected places and backgrounds to fulfill His purposes. The accounts associated with Gera's lineage encourage readers to consider the broader themes of redemption, justice, and divine providence that run throughout the Scriptures.

In summary, Gera is a figure whose name is woven into the fabric of Israel's tribal history, representing both the continuity of the Benjamite line and the dynamic role of this tribe in the larger account of God's covenant people.Gera

pilgrimage, combat; dispute

Gera

(a grain), one of the "sons," i.e. descendants, of Benjamin. (Genesis 46:21) Gera, who is named, (Judges 3:15) as the ancestor of Ehud, and in (2 Samuel 16:5) as the ancestor of Shimei who cursed David, is probably also the same person (though some consider them different persons).

Grain.

(1.) The son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:3, 5, 7).

(2.) The father of Ehud the judge (Judges 3:15).

(3.) The father of Shimei, who so grossly abused David (2 Samuel 16:5; 19:16, 18).

GERA

ge'-ra (gera', "grain"): A family name of the tribe of Benjamin, hence, not necessarily a separate individual in (3) and (4) below:

(1) A son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21).

(2) According to 1 Chronicles 8:3, 5, 7, son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin. The name is repeated (8:5) in the list of Bela's sons.

(3) Father, or ancestor, of the judge Ehud (Judges 3:15).

(4) Father, or ancestor, of Shimei, the Benjamite, who cursed David when he fled from Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5; 2 Samuel 19:16, 18 1 Kings 2:8).

1617. Gera -- the name of several Israelites, also a Benjamite ...
... 1616, 1617. Gera. 1618 . the name of several Israelites, also a Benjamite family.
Transliteration: Gera Phonetic Spelling: (gay-raw') Short Definition: Gera ...
/hebrew/1617.htm - 6k

Chapter xlvi
... And the children of Benjamin: Bela and Becher and Ashbel, Gera and Naaman, Ehi and
Rosh, Muppim and Huppim and Ard. ... But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Hans Denck and the Inward Word
... significant in safer hands.[8] Muenzer read Tauler's sermons from his youth up;
in his own copy of these sermons, preserved in the library at Gera, a marginal ...
/.../chapter ii hans denck and.htm

How the Title of Saviour is Given to Christ in one Sense, and to ...
... the Lord raised up to them a Saviour, Othniel the Son of Kenaz," [2484] and again,
"the Lord raised up to them a Saviour, Ehud the son of Gera" [2485] ), he ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xii how the title.htm

Obstinancy of Theophilus. Enmity Between the Egyptians and the ...
... sailed for Alexandria. A wind arose which drove the vessel to Gera, a small
city about fifty stadia from Pelusium. The bishop of ...
/.../chapter xix obstinancy of theophilus enmity.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... And Shimei, the son of Gera, came with a thousand men, which he brought with him
out of the tribe of Benjamin; and Ziba, the freed-man of Saul, with his sons ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon at the Approach of his ...
... There is also Shimei the son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin, who, after he had
cast many reproaches upon me, when, in my flight, I was going to Mahanaim ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 what charge david.htm

How Our People Served the Moabites Eighteen Years, and were Then ...
... 2. There was a young man of the tribe of Benjamin, whose name was Ehud, the son
of Gera, a man of very great courage in bold undertakings, and of a very strong ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how our people.htm

The Indifference of Criticism Rejected.
... hon olumpos pater monos, oude nin thnata phuois aneron etikten, oude` ma'n pote
la'tha katakoima'sei me'gas en tou'tois theo`s ou`de` gera'skei. ...
/.../section 1 the indifference of.htm

In this Matter we must Imitate David's Silence and Humility...
... For when Shimei the son of Gera reviled him, David was silent; and although he was
surrounded with armed men he did not return the abuse, nor sought revenge ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi in this matter.htm

An Explanation of the Three Callings.
... And it says: "The Lord sent them a Saviour, called Ehud, the son of Gera, the son
of Jemini, who used the left hand as well as the right:" and again we are told ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv an explanation of.htm

Gera (9 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GERA. ge'-ra (gera', "grain"): A ... 2:8).
Multi-Version Concordance Gera (9 Occurrences). Genesis 46:21 ...
/g/gera.htm - 10k

Ehud (12 Occurrences)
... (2.) The son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 3:15). ... 1 Chronicles 8:3
And Bela had sons, Addar and Gera, the father of Ehud, (BBE). ...
/e/ehud.htm - 11k

Shim'ei (40 Occurrences)
... 5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out thence a man of the
family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came ...
/s/shim'e-i.htm - 16k

Bela (14 Occurrences)
... 7:6 1 Chronicles 8:1). He was the head of the family of the Belaites (Numbers
26:38), the father of Addar (called Ard, Numbers 26:40), Gera, Abihud, Abishua ...
/b/bela.htm - 13k

Benjamite (15 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Judges 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised
them up a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. ...
/b/benjamite.htm - 11k

Benjaminite (9 Occurrences)
... Judges 3:15 But when the people of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up
for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man ...
/b/benjaminite.htm - 9k

Belah (1 Occurrence)
... 7:6 1 Chronicles 8:1). He was the head of the family of the Belaites (Numbers
26:38), the father of Addar (called Ard, Numbers 26:40), Gera, Abihud, Abishua ...
/b/belah.htm - 8k

Bahu'rim (6 Occurrences)
... 5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out thence a man of the
family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came ...
/b/bahu'rim.htm - 8k

Bahurim (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:5 When king David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of the
house of Saul came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. ...
/b/bahurim.htm - 10k

Shimei (43 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 16:5 When king David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of the
house of Saul came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. ...
/s/shimei.htm - 30k

Who was Shimei in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ehud? | GotQuestions.org

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