The term "Gershonite" refers to the descendants of Gershon, the eldest son of Levi, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The Gershonites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, alongside the Kohathites and the Merarites. As Levites, the Gershonites held a special role in the religious and ceremonial life of Israel, particularly in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

Biblical Lineage and Role

Gershon, also spelled "Gershom" in some translations, was born to Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The descendants of Gershon are listed in several genealogical records in the Bible, including Exodus 6:16-17 and Numbers 3:17-21. The Gershonites were responsible for specific duties related to the Tabernacle, as outlined in the Book of Numbers.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Gershonites involved the care and transportation of the Tabernacle's fabrics and coverings. Numbers 3:25-26 states, "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."

In Numbers 4:24-28 , further details are provided regarding their service: "This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with its covering and the outer covering of fine leather, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the gate of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, the ropes, and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites are to perform all tasks related to these items."

Allocation and Settlement

During the wilderness wanderings, the Gershonites camped on the west side of the Tabernacle, as recorded in Numbers 3:23 : "The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle." When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the Gershonites were allotted cities within the territories of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, as described in Joshua 21:6 and 1 Chronicles 6:62.

Significance in Israel's Worship

The Gershonites played a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity and functionality of the Tabernacle, which was central to Israel's worship and religious life. Their duties ensured that the Tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, was properly cared for and transported during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

Later References and Legacy

The legacy of the Gershonites continued into the period of the monarchy and beyond. In 1 Chronicles 23:6-11, King David organized the Levites, including the Gershonites, for service in the Temple. The Gershonites are also mentioned in the context of the reforms of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 29:12-14, where they participated in the cleansing and restoration of the Temple.

The Gershonites, as part of the Levitical priesthood, exemplify the importance of dedicated service to God and the community of faith. Their role in the history of Israel underscores the value of faithful stewardship and the significance of maintaining the worship and ordinances established by God.3936. Ladan -- an Ephraimite, also a Gershonite
... 3935, 3936. Ladan. 3937 . an Ephraimite, also a Gershonite. Transliteration:
Ladan Phonetic Spelling: (lah-dawn') Short Definition: Ladan. ...
/hebrew/3936.htm - 6k

1649. Gereshunni -- descendant of Gershon
... Word Origin from Gereshon Definition desc. of Gershon NASB Word Usage Gershonite
(2), Gershonites (11). Gershonite, sons of Gershon. ...
/hebrew/1649.htm - 6k

Gershonite (14 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gershonite (14 Occurrences). Numbers 3:18 And these are
the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei. ...
/g/gershonite.htm - 10k

Zimmah (3 Occurrences)
... Mischief. (1.) A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 6:20). (2.) Another Gershonite
Levite (1 Chronicles 6:42). (3.) The father of Joah (2 Chronicles 29:12). Int. ...
/z/zimmah.htm - 8k

Kedesh (12 Occurrences)
... (3.) A "fenced city" of Naphtali, one of the cities of refuge (Joshua 19:37; Judges
4:6). It was assigned to the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 21:32). ...
/k/kedesh.htm - 14k

Gershonites (17 Occurrences)
... Chronicles 26:21 The sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan,
the heads of the fathers' houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli ...
/g/gershonites.htm - 14k

Zizah (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A Gershonite Levite (1 Chronicles 23:11). Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZIZAH. zi'-za (zizah; see ZIZA ...
/z/zizah.htm - 7k

Kishion (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Hardness, a city of Issachar assigned to the Gershonite
Levites (Joshua 19:20), the same as Kishon (21:28). Int. ...
/k/kishion.htm - 7k

Kartan (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Double city, a town of Naphali, assigned to the Gershonite
Levites, and one of the cities of refuge (Joshua 21:32). ...
/k/kartan.htm - 7k

Jehieli (2 Occurrences)
... See (2) above. (2) A Gershonite, head of a Levitical house (1 Chronicles 23:8; 1
Chronicles 29:8). (3) Son of a Hachmonite; he was "with the king's (David's ...
/j/jehieli.htm - 9k

Laadan (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 26:21 As concerning the sons of Laadan; the sons of the Gershonite
Laadan, chief fathers, even of Laadan the Gershonite, were Jehieli. ...
/l/laadan.htm - 7k

En-gannim (3 Occurrences)
... Tappuah. It is the modern Umm Jina. (2.) A city on the border of Machar (Joshua
19:21), allotted to the Gershonite Levites (21:29). It ...
/e/en-gannim.htm - 9k

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