Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GERSHON

(Heb. gēršôn) (also GERSHOM)

The eldest of the three sons of Levi, mentioned along with Kohath and Merari (Gen. 46:11; Exod. 6:16-17; “Gershom” in 1 Chr. 6). The name Gershon appears in various genealogies, census reports (Num. 3–4), and land allotments (Josh. 21), which describe the levitical families, their encampment and duties with regard to the desert tent of meeting, their location in tribal Israel, and their continued service in posttribal Israel.

The genealogies of Levi name Gershon as one of the priestly families who serve under Aaron. Gershon according to these genealogies had two sons, Libni and Shimei (Exod. 6:16; Num. 3:18). The census reports of Num. 3–4 assign to Gershon and his family care for the covering of the tent of meeting, the screen of the door of the tent, the hangings in the court of the tent, and the screen for the gate of the court (Num. 3:21-26; 4:21-28). The Gershonites are to encamp behind the tent on the west and, while traveling in the desert, are to transport their portion of the tent in two wagons (Num. 3:23; 7:7). The book of Joshua allots to postconquest Gershon 13 cities in the north within the boundaries of the half-tribe of Manasseh, and the tribes of Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali (Josh. 21:27-33). Chronicles attests to the continued service of the Gershonites in monarchical and in postexilic Israel, specifically pertaining to care for the temple (1 Chr. 29:8; 2 Chr. 29:12).

Bibliography. A. Cody, A History of Old Testament Priesthood. AnBib 35 (Rome, 1969).

Jeff H. McCrory, Jr.

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GERSHON

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)