Gershon

Biblical Record

Gershon is the first named of Levi's three sons. He is listed with Kohath and Merari among the members of Jacob's family who went down to Egypt (Genesis 46:11). Exodus 6:16-17 and Numbers 3:17-18 record Libni and Shimei as his sons. Scripture says almost nothing about Gershon himself; the text is concerned mostly with his descendants, the "sons of Gershon," or Gershonites.

According to Numbers, the Gershonites camped on the west side of the tabernacle in the wilderness (Numbers 3:23). They were responsible for carrying its fabric furnishings: the curtains and coverings of the tent of meeting, the hanging for the door of the tent of meeting, and the hangings and cords of the court (Numbers 3:25-26; 4:24-26). This work was done under the oversight of Ithamar, the son of Aaron (Numbers 4:28). Numbers 3:22 records 7,500 males a month old and upward, and Numbers 4:40 records 2,630 men from thirty to fifty years old who were fit for service. For transport they were given two wagons and four oxen (Numbers 7:7). After Israel entered Canaan, the Gershonites received thirteen cities from the territories of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali and of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan (Joshua 21:6).

1 Chronicles likewise records that the Levites in the time of David were organized into the three divisions of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (1 Chronicles 23:6). Asaph, who was in charge of praise in the temple, appears in the genealogy as a descendant of the Gershonite line (1 Chronicles 6:39-43).

Significance in Scripture

Gershon's significance lies in his role as the ancestor of one of the three clans of the tribe of Levi. The most holy furnishings of the tabernacle were entrusted to the Kohathites, the clan to which Aaron belonged; the pillars and boards to the Merarites; and the curtains and coverings to the Gershonites. This division of labor enabled Israel to take down the tabernacle, move it, and set it up again. The name Gershon does not appear in the New Testament.

Interpretations and Issues

• Spelling of the name: In some passages of 1 Chronicles (6:16-17 and elsewhere), Levi's son is called "Gershom." He is therefore easily confused with Gershom the son of Moses (Exodus 2:22), and the two should be distinguished.
• Meaning of the name: The name is sometimes connected with a Hebrew word meaning "to drive out," but its precise meaning is uncertain.
• Order and duties: Although Gershon, the eldest, is named first, it was the Kohathites who were entrusted with the most holy furnishings. The prevailing interpretation reads this as a difference in assigned roles rather than a ranking of offices as higher or lower.
• Scripture contains no stories about Gershon's personal character or life. Any such accounts that circulate should be distinguished from the biblical record.

In the Korean Church

Gershon is rarely the sole subject of a sermon. He is more often mentioned in sermons or Bible studies on Numbers 3-4 that explain the division of duties among the three Levitical clans. In such settings, preachers commonly add applications, such as the lesson that even inconspicuous work is God's work, or a connection to the diversity of gifts within the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Such connections, however, are the preacher's application rather than the direct teaching of the text.