Geshem
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Geshem in the Bible?
Geshem was an Arabian, likely the chief of a tribe that opposed the rebuilding of the wall under Nehemiah. He acted as a confederate of Sanballat and Tobiah.
SIGNIFICANCE
Geshem's opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall highlights the tensions between the returning exiles and the local populations in Palestine during the post-exilic period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Geshem reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Geshem in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Geshem clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Geshem." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/geshem/