Gera is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. He is identified as one of the sons of Bela, who was the firstborn son of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name "Gera" is believed to mean "a grain" or "a kernel," which may reflect a characteristic or symbolic meaning attributed to him or his lineage.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 8:3-5 : "The sons of Bela: Addar, Gera, Abihud, Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram." This passage lists Gera among the sons of Bela, indicating his place within the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin. The mention of Gera here underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, particularly within the tribes of Israel.

2. Genesis 46:21 : "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." In this passage, Gera is listed as one of the sons of Benjamin, though there is some variation in the genealogical records regarding the exact placement and number of Benjamin's descendants. This reflects the complexities and variations often found in ancient genealogical records.

Tribal Significance:

The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in Israel's history, being one of the twelve tribes that descended from Jacob's sons. As a member of this tribe, Gera's lineage is part of the broader narrative of Israel's development and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its warriors and played a crucial role in various biblical events, including the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies served not only as records of ancestry but also as a means of establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliations. The inclusion of Gera in these genealogies highlights the importance of maintaining a record of the descendants of the patriarchs, which was essential for the preservation of tribal boundaries and the fulfillment of covenantal promises.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the genealogies in which Gera appears emphasize God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of His chosen people. Each name in these records represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the coming of the Messiah. The tribe of Benjamin, despite its small size, produced significant biblical figures, including King Saul and the Apostle Paul, demonstrating God's ability to work through all tribes and families of Israel.

Conclusion:

While Gera himself may not be a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogies of Benjamin underscores the importance of each individual within God's overarching plan for His people. The record of Gera and his family serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribe of Benjamin and its role in the history of Israel.Genesis 46:21
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
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Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab.
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2 Samuel 16:5
And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
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2 Samuel 19:16,18
And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hurried and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.
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1 Kings 2:8
And, behold, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I swore to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put you to death with the sword.
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1 Chronicles 8:3,5,7
And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,
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Chapter xlvi
... It gives him three sons: Bela, Becher and Ashbel. To Bela it gives six sons: Gera,
Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim and Huppim. But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Who was Shimei in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ehud? | GotQuestions.org

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