Bible Dictionary
Gershon
Gershon was Levi’s eldest son. His descendants served in the tabernacle by carrying its curtains, coverings, hangings, and related fabrics, and later received Levitical cities.
Definition
Gershon was the eldest of Levi’s three sons. His descendants formed a Levitical family responsible for transporting the fabrics and hangings of the tabernacle.
Biblical Usage
The Gershonites carried the curtains, veils, tent-hangings, and related fabrics when the tabernacle was moved. Thirteen Levitical cities were assigned to them.
Historical Background
Gershon was born before Jacob’s family descended into Egypt. Although eldest, his family became less prominent in biblical history than the Kohathites, from whom Moses and Aaron descended.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
=Ger’shom expulsion, the eldest of Levi’s three sons (Gen. 46:11; Ex. 6:16). In the wilderness the sons of Gershon had charge of the fabrics of the tabernacle when it was moved from place to place, the curtains, veils, tent-hangings (Num. 3: 21-26). Thirteen Levitical cities fell to the lot of the Gershonites (Josh. 21:27-33).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(exile). The eldest of the three sons of Levi, born before the descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt. (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16) (B.C. before 1706.) But, though the eldest born, the families of Gershon were outstripped in fame by their younger brethren of Kohath, from whom sprang Moses and the priestly line of Aaron.