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Reference: Gershon, Gershonites

Hastings

The name Gershon is given to the eldest son of Levi, to whom a division of the Levites traced their descent (Ge 46:11; Ex 6:16; Nu 3:17; 1Ch 6:1,16 [Gershom] 1Ch 23:6). The title 'Gershonites' is found in Nu 3:21,23 f., Nu 4:24,27 f., Nu 26:57; Jos 21:33; 1Ch 23:7; 26:21; 2Ch 29:12; and of an individual, 1Ch 26:21; 29:8; the 'sons of Gershon' (Ex 6:17; Nu 3:18,25; 4:22,36,41; 7:7; 10:17; Jos 21:6,27), or 'of Gershom' (1Ch 6:17,62,71; 15:7). They were subdivided into two groups, the Libnites and the Shimeites (Nu 3:21; 26:58), each being traced to a 'son' of Gershon (Ex 6:17; Nu 3:18; 1Ch 6:17,20 [42, Shimei is omitted from the genealogy]). 'Ladan' stands for Libni in 1Ch 23:7 ff; 1Ch 26:21. From these families fragments of genealogies remain (see 1Ch 23:8-11). Comparatively little is related of the Gershonites after the Exile. Certain of them are mentioned in 1Ch 9:15 and Ne 11:17 a, Ne 11:22 as dwelling in Jerusalem immediately after the Return. Of the 'sons of Asaph' (Gershonites), 128 (Ezr 2:41) or 148 (Ne 7:44) returned with Ezra to the city in b.c. 454. Asaphites led the music at the foundation of the Temple (Ezr 3:10); and certain of them blew trumpets in the procession at the dedication of the city walls (Ne 12:25).

Priestly Narrative and the Chronicler introduce the family into the earlier history. (1) During the desert wanderings the Gershonites were on the west side of the Tent (Nu 3:23); their duty was to carry all the hangings which composed the Tent proper, and the outer coverings and the hangings of the court, with their cords (Nu 3:25 f., Nu 4:24 ff., Nu 10:17), for which they were given two wagons and four oxen (Nu 7:7); and they were superintended by Ithamar, the youngest son of Aaron (Nu 4:33; 7:8). (2) After the settlement in Palestine, thirteen cities were assigned to them (Jos 21:6,27-33 = 1Ch 6:62,71-76). (3) In David's reign the Chronicler relates that the Temple music was managed partly by Asaph, a Gershonite, and his family (1Ch 6:39-43; 25:1 f., 1Ch 25:6,8 a, 1Ch 25:10,12,14; and see 1Ch 15:7,17-19). David divided the Levites into courses 'according to the sons of Levi' (1Ch 23:6; Gershonites, 1Ch 23:7-11); and particular offices of Gershonites are stated in 1Ch 26:21 f. (4) Jahaziel, an Asaphite, prophesied to Jehoshaphat before the battle of En-gedi (2Ch 20:14-17). (5) They took part in the cleansing of the Temple under Hezekiah (2Ch 29:12 f.). Cf. also Kohath.

A. H. M'Neile.

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