Geshur
“Bridge”
Summary
A small Aramean kingdom northeast of Bashan whose princess Maacah became a wife of David and mother of Absalom.
☩Location and Territory
Geshur was situated in the northeastern region bordering Bashan, Aram, and Maacah, with its territory corresponding roughly to the modern Jaulan. The name means 'bridge,' and an ancient stone bridge over the upper Jordan near this region still bears a similar Arabic name. The Geshurites were not driven out by the Israelites but continued dwelling in their midst, retaining their independence.
☩David's Connection to Geshur
David married Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur, who became the mother of the handsome but rebellious Absalom and his sister Tamar. This alliance may have originated during David's wilderness wanderings, as he made incursions against various peoples including Geshurites during his time at Ziklag. After Absalom murdered his brother Amnon, he fled to his grandfather Talmai in Geshur, where he remained three years before Joab arranged his return.
☩Character and Region
The wild and rugged nature of the Geshur region, possibly part of the rocky Argob (modern Lejah), accords well with the fierce character of Absalom. This basaltic wilderness provided secure refuge for its inhabitants against invaders. The Geshurites and Aram later took back cities of Jair that Manasseh had captured in Gilead.
Related Verses11 mentions
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Geshur," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Geshur," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Geshur," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.George Morrish, "Geshur," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Geshur," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).