Bible Figure
Gershon
oldest son of Levi from Old Testament (Genesis 46)
Gershon was the firstborn son of Levi and ancestor of the Gershonite clans responsible for important parts of the tabernacle.
Biography
Genesis 46 and Exodus 6 list Gershon among Levi's sons, with Kohath and Merari. His sons were Libni and Shimei. In the wilderness, the Gershonite clans were assigned responsibility for the tabernacle curtains, coverings, screens, and related hangings under priestly supervision. Their descendants later received Levitical towns and participated in Israel's worship organization.
Biblical Significance
Gershon is important as founder of one of the three principal Levitical divisions. The Gershonites' assigned service shows the ordered distribution of responsibilities surrounding the tabernacle.