Topical Encyclopedia The Geshurites were an ancient people mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the regions east of the Jordan River. They are often noted in the context of Israel's territorial boundaries and conflicts during the time of the conquest and the monarchy.Geographical Location and Territory The Geshurites inhabited a region in the northeastern part of the land of Canaan, specifically in the area of Bashan and Gilead. Their territory was situated near the borders of the tribes of Manasseh and Gad. The land of Geshur is described as being adjacent to the kingdom of Aram (Syria), indicating its location in the Transjordan area. Biblical References The Geshurites are first mentioned in the context of the land that was to be conquered by the Israelites. 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 degree of independence and were not entirely subdued during the initial Israelite conquest. In 1 Samuel 27:8, David, before he became king, 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 passage highlights the Geshurites as one of the groups that David targeted during his military campaigns. Political and Familial Connections The Geshurites are notably connected to the Israelite monarchy through marriage alliances. King 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 produced Absalom, one of David's sons, who later played a significant role in the history of Israel through his rebellion against his father. Absalom's connection to Geshur is further emphasized in 2 Samuel 13:37-38, where, after killing his brother Amnon, he fled to his maternal grandfather in Geshur: "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." Cultural and Historical Significance The Geshurites, like many other small kingdoms and tribes in the ancient Near East, played a role in the complex political landscape surrounding Israel. Their interactions with Israel, both through conflict and alliance, reflect the broader dynamics of the region during the biblical period. The marriage alliance between David and the royal family of Geshur illustrates the common practice of using marriage to secure political alliances and peace between neighboring states. The Geshurites, though not a major power, are an example of the many smaller groups that influenced the history and development of the Israelite nation. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores the diverse and often contentious relationships between Israel and its neighbors. Concordance Gesh'urites (6 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 3:14 Joshua 12:5 Joshua 13:2 Joshua 13:11 Joshua 13:13 1 Samuel 27:8 Thesaurus Gesh'urites (6 Occurrences)Gesh'urites. Geshurites, Gesh'urites. Gesture . Multi-Version Concordance Gesh'urites (6 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair the ... /g/gesh'urites.htm - 8k Geshurites (6 Occurrences) Gesture Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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